“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3
How faithful are you to God?
This seems to be the focus of much of Christianity. People checking up on each other to make sure they are living right. Pastors preaching on how we need to do better or trust more. Some even tell us that if we would just have more faith and live more faithful lives, God would do amazing things.
Yet, the Bible focuses not on your faithfulness, but God’s. Sure the Bible talks about how we should be faithful, but that isn’t the emphasis. The emphasis is God’s faithfulness even in the face of our unfaithfulness.
The Example of Israel
Many Sunday School lessons make examples of the “heroes” of the Bible. David defeats Goliath. Abraham trusts God. Samson destroys the Philistines. Yet, sometimes we forget to mention that David committed adultery and murder, Abraham several times did not trust God, and Samson disobeyed God in arrogance pursuing Delilah.
The story of Israel is one not of the amazingly faithful People of God, but the People of God constantly grumbling against God and turning from Him to false gods. Yet, God remained faithful despite their unfaithfulness.
“Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” – 1 Corinthians 10:11
God’s Faithfulness
Israel is an example for us. In the history of Israel, we see God’s great faithfulness to a people who don’t deserve it and who constantly turn from God. We also see God’s great mercy. When they turn from Him, He works to bring them back. When they turn and repent (usually in desperation), God shows mercy, receives them, and blesses them.
Why do we need this example?
If we’re honest, we already know. More often than not, our lives look more like Abraham’s lack of trust or Samson’s arrogance than they do David’s defeat of Goliath. We need this example to be reminded of God’s great faithfulness to us, even when we are not faithful…especially when we are not faithful.
God pursues us, too, and works to bring us back. We know that we can turn and repent and He will show mercy, receive us, forgive us, and bless us. Great is His Faithfulness!
Heavenly Father,
Great is my faithlessness. I confess that I have sinned against You and others. However, greater is Your faithfulness. Please forgive me and renew me.
Amen.
Why not sing some praises to God today with the hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness”?
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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