July 28, 2021
Devotion for July 28
God has unexpected ways of bringing His people face to face with tests on particular points of faith. Faith is a noun that points to another noun: faithfulness. It should mean a belief, a conviction, that moves one into the action known as obedience.
Early on, there was a simple test of obedience — or faithfulness — in the Garden of Eden. Many, possibly thousands, of luscious trees from which to eat freely surrounded the couple. And there was only one to avoid. Adam and Eve were given a clear understanding of the distinction. It was a simple & clear boundary, but it would seem that it took the devil about, say, five or five-and-a-half minutes of conversation to convince Eve to switch loyalties. Thankfully both she and Adam switched their loyalties back to the LORD, accepting His generous provision of covering and instructions which pointed forward to the coming Savior.
The oft-repeated pattern in His Word of the failings of men are there to remind us of the gravity of sin and the offered forgiveness and restoration of a loving God who wants to be intimately known among His beloved people. There are also stories of “heroes” who would be the first to admit that their trust in the LORD is the only attribute for which they would wish to be remembered.
All of this is to point to attributes of God: He is the God of law, order, and justice. And He is the long-suffering God of forgiveness, mercy, and grace. He is both Creator and Redeemer. He is the Source and Sustainer of life, not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 2:9). It could also be stated: His will is for everyone to have everlasting life! God is love (1 John 4:8b). He respects our freedom to choose loyalties therefore He never coerces, only draws (Jeremiah 31:3).
The devil, as a crafty wordsmith, has created a disconnect between faith and faithfulness, and between belief and obedience, among many professed believers. Such messages will continue to be broadcast until Jesus returns. The wholesome and complete message, called the everlasting gospel (Revelation 14:6) is also going forth in power. We are coming into more testing. This testing is allowed by the Lord to build our character and discernment skills. And not only does He allow it, but He is also telling us about it:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15
“Go your way; behold I send you out as lambs among wolves. Luke 10:3
“For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” Acts 20:29
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16
Beloved, the return of Jesus to gather His faithful ones is nearing. It is guaranteed that you will come to that proverbial “fork in the road”—perhaps many times. When (not if!) your faith is challenged, may your faithfulness and obedience be the visible fruit of influence that brings growth to God’s Kingdom and joyful anticipation of His glorious return....
...when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels... 2 Thessalonians 1:7b