Abiding Faith in Times of Testing

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Saturday, December 13, 2008
Devotions: Ps 30, 32, 42, 43; Isa 8:1-15; 2 Thess 3:6-18; Lk 22:31-38

I extol God: I cried to You, and You helped me. Your anger is brief, Your favor is lifelong. I may suffer for a short time, but joy comes with the morning, and abides, by Your grace. YHWH, be my Helper! You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have girded me with gladness. I will thank and praise You forever. Blessed are all who harbor no deceit. When I sin, I have learned, I must confess immediately and turn a new way; God forgives when I acknowledge my fault and accept His forgiveness. God has encompassed me with deliverance. God’s steadfast love surrounds everyone who trusts in the Lord. My soul thirsts for God; when I am cast down, I remember God and His goodness to me. His Spirit draws me close, and my life becomes a prayer to the God of my life. My Lord vindicates me. Lord, send out Your light and truth, and let them draw me to You, my Help and my God.

Isaiah’s third assurance to Ahaz: YHWH told the prophet: ‘Take a large tablet, and write in plain characters Mahershalalhashbaz [‘The spoil speeds, the prey hastes’].’ Two reliable witnesses attested for Isaiah; he impregnated “the prophetess”, who bore a son, who was given this name. God’s promise: before this child knows how to cry “Daddy” or “Mommy”, Assyria will despoil both Samaria and Damascus. But because God’s people had quaked in fear before those who are no threat, God would bring upon them a true terror, the king of Assyria. His forces would sweep over Judah and fill Immanuel’s land. No counsel can stand against God’s will. God warned Isaiah not to join the delusions of his people: they fear men and ignore God; instead, regard YHWH Sabaoth as holy; let your awe be reserved for Him alone. Do this, and God will be your Sanctuary, while He brings crushing judgment upon unfaithful Judah and Israel—a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Many will stumble, many will fall and be broken, snared and taken away.’

Paul, with Silas and Timothy, writes to his Thessalonian readers: ‘In our Lord’s name, keep away from any Christian living in idleness and out of harmony with the foundational traditions I taught you. Imitate us: we toiled and labored night and day, to avoid being a burden to you—and to give you a model to follow. We command and urge any who are living as busybodies: do your work quietly and earn your own living. Don’t become weary in doing good. Shun those who will not conform to these principles—not as enemies, but as a warning. May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in all ways! The grace of our Lord Jesus the Messiah be with you all!’

Jesus addressed Simon Peter: ‘Satan demanded to have you apostles, to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not fail under his testing. When you have returned to My path, strengthen your brothers!’ Peter blustered: ‘Lord I am ready to go with You to prison and to death.’ But Jesus replied, ‘I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day until you three times deny that you know Me.’ Then he said to all those in the upper room with Him: ‘When I sent you out with no provisions, did you lack anything?’ ‘Nothing,’ they answered. Jesus went on: ‘But now, take all you can gather—money, luggage, a weapon if you can get it. The scripture that foretold I would be reckoned among the transgressors is being fulfilled now.’ They responded , ‘Look, Lord: we have two swords.’ ‘It is enough,’ He said to them.