Matthew Chapter 24: verses 12-14 (NIV)
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Galatians chapter 6: verses 7-9 (NIV)
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Jesus didn’t promise that everyone would turn to God, rather that there would be an increase in wickedness and a turning away from God by a greater majority of people, so we should not be surprised at the fulfilment of His words as we see things unfold today. But whilst it is easy to become discouraged, instead there is much to be encouraged about in His words. He tells us in Matthew that in spite of the general turning away, it is possible for us to stand firm, and we have the Holy Spirit to help us with that. Also, Jesus tells us that people will still be given the opportunity to turn to God because the Gospel will be preached throughout the world – proving the grace and mercy of God. And whilst people may mock and challenge our faith, we are told that we should continue to sow the good seed of the Gospel regardless, because in due course, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
And I have seen encouraging shoots where lives are coming to church to seek God. Two instances from this week I give to serve as an encouragement for us not to give up. A very new Christian who came to the last Alpha course at church, and who has been regularly attending church, this week gifted a beautiful new bible, for youngsters to our Junior Church. Inside it he wrote that he hoped it would help the children to learn more about Jesus. On Sunday a couple came to church who had been married there before moving to Australia for twenty-five years. They returned to Scotland a while ago, but have struggled with their faith for a while. They decided to return to the church, and managed to sit in the two empty seats next to someone who was in the church at the time they were there and who could point out others to them who would also have been. I’m sure that was no coincidence!
So, whilst people may mock and dismiss our faith, we can rejoice that God is still at work and wants us to continue our walk with Him and be a testimony to those around.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be both faithful and bold in these days so that Your light may be seen in me and that others will be impacted. Thank You that it’s not Your will that any should perish and that many will still turn to You if we don’t give up. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen