Not In Vain

“Though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the Gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.” -1 Thessalonians 2:2

The Gospel of grace usually doesn't land in friendly territory. In fact, it is a bomb in the midst of the biggest battles of life.

Paul's preaching was not in vain, but it had purpose: to declare freedom to captives and hope to the forsaken. They were openly and violently opposed when they came to town, but the good news was better than safety. It had to go forth. It was worth the cost.

In our Western lifestyles, it is hard to understand this level of persecution. The fire that refined the Apostles ignited the spread of Christianity, and it still comes to conflict.

Even if we have been raised in a good home that taught us how to behave , the Gospel wars against and defeats moralism or self-righteousness. When we think our lives are too far gone to be saved, that we have sinned too much for God to care, the Gospel frees us from the shackles of sin and death. When we are lost in our doubt and find it impossible to obey the way of Christ , the Gospel reminds us of faithfulness even when we are unfaithful and gives us the greatest of loves to respond to by our living.

This message of our Savior, of Jesus' work on the cross, of his declaration that it is finished and we are secure in him—this Gospel is a wartime weapon meant to devastate the enemy. Whatever conflict you find yourself or your soul in today, hear the good news of Jesus. It is not in vain; it is for your good and his glory.

Following the Lord

“For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.” -Exodus 40:38

The Tabernacle, the place to worship God, has been erected, and the people of Israel are set to move through the wilderness to the land that is promised for them. Their journey is one of following the Lord. While it would be a long and strange journey (mostly because of their sin), they will eventually get to that land. All they are to do is follow.

We often think of this situation and wonder if life would be easier if following God's plan was like Israel's experience. To have a pillar of smoke during the day and fire by night to follow. This is the original traffic signal. Move when it moves, stop when it stops, turn where it turns. What significant provision God has given his people!

But we have a daily visual reminder in God's Word. Scripture unfolds our direction, the way of Christ and living in response to his grace for us. It is as clear as type of the printed page. It is ours to follow because Jesus has fully followed in obedience for us. And what's more, he gives us his Spirit to empower our following.

We have no need for clouds and flames as the living Holy Spirit dwells within us and illumines the Bible to be our guide for pursuing Jesus, following him as he leads us. This seems to be a better situation. Even better, Jesus is our promised land. He is not only the leader; he is also the reward, provision, and radiance of our lives.

Today, let's open the Word and ask the Spirit to lead us further up and further into Jesus.