By Micah Messer
I’ll admit it. Yes, I was somewhat nervous on the plane. After all it was my first flight since the September 11th tragedy. Looking outside from my window seat, I couldn’t see any land, only huge, white clouds. The clouds quickly reminded me of Psalm 36:5, where David writes, Thy faithfulness reaches unto the clouds.
You know, faithfulness is rare treasure these days.
Divorce is actually as high in the church as it is in the world. Husbands betray their wives; wives cheat on their husbands to “get even”. Employees are unfaithful to their bosses. They’re dishonest and call in sick when they aren’t. They’re lazy and cheat the company on the clock. Members are unfaithful to their churches. At least employees call their employers when they don’t show up for work. You never know who will be absent at church until you look at the pews. Church people can be some of the most unfaithful people, too. Not only in their attendance but also in paying their tithes or doing work. You call a work day or prayer meeting and you never know who will show up. Even best friends can be unfaithful at times. I’ve had close friends stab me in the back and others stab me to my face. Friends that you think would never say bad things against you, don’t come to your defense. Friends that you thought you could trust, shared your secrets with strangers. Sometimes I feel like Proverbs 20:6 that says, Who can find a faithful man? Is there anyone that can have my complete confidence? Who can I trust with all my heart? Although it may be difficult to discover a faithful man, it’s easy to find a faithful God.
Moses declared that we serve a faithful God (Deut 7:9). Moses told Israel that God didn’t chose them because they were a great people, but because He was faithful to his promise with Abraham. He reassured them that He would be faithful to his covenant beyond a thousand generations. Paul wrote that He is our faithful High Priest (Heb 2:17). Paul told the jews that Jesus was made like His brothers in every way, so that He could know exactly what we go through in life. Jesus knew what it was like to have an unfaithful home town reject him, an unfaithful family disown him, and a unfaithful best friend betray him, yet Jesus was faithful even to the death of the cross. Peter said that He is a faithful Creator (1 Pet 4:19). Peter taught the church to endure suffering and persecution for the name of Christ, to remain faithful Christians, reminding them God has been faithful since creation. John proclaimed that He is a faithful Witness (Rev 1:5). Jesus has never lied nor any deceit found in Him. His words are faithful and true (Rev 21:5). In fact, His very name is Faithful and True (Rev 19:11). Jesus has never lied. He cannot deny Himself. He is the same: yesterday, today, and forever. No wonder Jeremiah sang, “Great is Thy Faithfulness!” (Lam 3:3)
The faithfulness of God remembers, forgives, completes, defends, and preserves. First, God’s faithfulness remembers our work for His kingdom. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name (Heb 6:10). My family has been in Fayetteville, NC, for 9 years with great sowing and little reaping; and my faithful God hasn’t forgotten one thing we’ve done here. Second, God’s faithfulness forgives our sins when we come before God in repentance. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn 1:9). I never have to approach His throne with fear that my last sin was one sin too many, for his mercy and grace (Heb 4:16). Third, God’s faithfulness completes those He calls. Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:6) I have confidence knowing that the faithful God who called me will be the faithful God who completes me. Fourth, God’s faithfulness defends us in trouble. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you (2 Thes 1:6). To those who have been unfaithful to me in life, God is my defender. Fifth, God’s faithfulness preserves His people. Oh love the Lord, all you saints, for the Lord preserves the faithful (Psalm 31:23). He has promised to bless the life of the faithful (Proverbs 28:20).
Are you faithful? The Faithful God of Heaven is looking for faithful men and women on earth. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit that all believers should have (Gal 5:22; Rev 17:14). Jesus taught about faithful and wise servants (Matt 24:45-46; Luke 16:10-12). I want to be counted a faithful son by my Faithful Father (1 Tim 1:12). I want to be found faithful in all things (1 Tim 3:11). I want to be faithful, even unto death (Rev 2:10). I want to hear my Lord say, Well done, good and faithful servant (Matt 25:21, 23.)
Be the first to comment