February 5, 2022

Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:7-8

Before the foundation of the world, Christ’s work on earth—in vivid detail—lay before Him. He could see the entire path—full length—that He must travel in order to retrieve His lost sheep from the one who constantly seeks to hurt Him by hurting them. “Every pang that rent His heart, every insult that was heaped upon His head, every privation that He was called to endure, was open to His view before He laid aside His crown and royal robe, and stepped down from the throne…” Desire of Ages by E.G.White (p.410)

From the manger to the cross, the sinless sin bearer knew it all—yet He came.

He knows our paths as well. He knows our works, our labor, and our patience, as He stated in Revelation 2:2. Let us consider patience for a moment. He knows we are in great need of it! Patient endurance is strengthened by the study of selfless love: the heart of the character of God. This world is rapidly spiraling downward, just as the Lord foretold. I am betrothed to Him and called by His name. I am part of His bride!* I am called to persevere according to His guiding instructions and under His grace if I am to extend His priceless invitation to those around me who have yet to know Him. I am also to be an encourager toward brothers and sisters in Christ. At the next turn, it is I who will need encouragement. Beloved, we are caught in a struggle between good and evil: the great controversy between Christ and Satan. But what is this brief struggle in light of eternity?

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17

And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17

Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:12

*The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.  Revelation 22:17