GROWING, OR GROWING WEARY

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2).

A marathon, which has been measured at a distance of essentially 26.2 miles, is traditionally the last event of Olympic Games competition. However, it ranks first in terms of the level of endurance required in order to qualify for an invitation to this grueling and physically demanding event. Thus, many are extended the invitation, but only a few will be selected. This same concept is applicable to the race of faithful endurance that the Holy Bible, or the Word of God teaches us about. Consequently, many will be called but the chosen will be an appreciably lower number.

Needless to say, the Biblical standard is the originator and perfector of our faith, and as the introductory scripture above affirms, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is, in fact, the standard of righteousness, holiness, faithfulness, goodness, grace, peace and love: "Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:9-14).

One of the foremost, faithful, work-oriented and earnest of God was Moses. Though he became weary at times, he was not necessarily guilty of growing weary. As one of the most notable characters in the Old Testament (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy), His story is a remarkable testament to one who endured, and under literally unprecedented circumstances. And among the following scriptures is the scene where Moses expressed to God his desire not to lead the children of Israel, unless God led him. The destination was the promised land, and this epic scene is captured in the last verse of following scriptures: "And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence." (Exodus 33:11-15).

I simply have no words to describe the unspeakable and admirable humility that this foregoing scene so genuinely captures concerning the relationship between God and Moses. Nevertheless, at the very least the experience for me was humbling and heart-wrenching! It stands to reason that the Holy Bible, or the living, life-giving, light illuminating and the indwelling, growth generating, maturing and empowering spirit is synonymous with the Word of God. That is; the only begotten Son of God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, God the Son, our healer, savior and deliverer: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 1:14; 6:53,63).

The preceding passages serve literally as a call to Christians to be wholly and fully dedicated to a life of service to the Lord. More specifically, this is a requisite to appropriate the very life of Christ in our hearts, minds and spirits. Though this probably does not begin to do it justice, I think of this as the epitome, or the embodiment of what a commitment to Christ looks like. For our inspiration and edification, Paul the apostle and professed "slave" of the Lord (Romans 1:1) puts it like this: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14).

My beloved, in today's message and the recurring theme that the Lord God Almighty has engraved in the hearts of those whom He has chosen is as follows: "Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:17-18). He gives all of us guidance by virtue of His truth, faithfulness and love. He illuminates hearts and paths along the way, and either by calm or by stormy conditions.

What a privilege and an honor this affords all, whether one is a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, one is seeking to know the Lord or have considered beseeching the Lord both earnestly and humbly for the forgiveness of your sins. Thus, let us utilize to the fullest extent such truths as a call to praise Him, and as a cause for praising Him!!! And thereby being equipped and prepared to exhibit spiritual sight, insight, growth and utter joy that we all derive from His ever needful strength and over the course the inevitable fight: "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (2 Timothy 4:6-8; Revelation 2:10).

2 Thessalonians 1:3-11...

3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:"