A brief thought today – to keep us going. May we have some rest too, this weekend, before the work resumes next week.
Luke, writing up Paul's missionary journeys, records in Acts (18: 9-11) that, when he was in Corinth:
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision. “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this this city”. So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
When Jesus by his life, death and resurrection, opened the way back to God he ushered in this present era of the world’s timeline in which we are living. The three characteristics of this era are:
- Jesus tears down the hiding veil, and opens the way back to God to all who repent and believe in him
- He says “now go to all nations and tell the good news”
- And I am with you always, even to the end of the age
So, when we journey with the Lord, wherever that path takes us (and in one sense lifestyle ministry is always mission) and life is a struggle… we can hear two encouragements today. First, the Lord is with us, even when it is hard to see him. Second there are many more people of faith than we know, or can see at any moment. Prayer and comradeship are possible. And we are part of this saving network, joined by the Holy Spirit.
Paul stayed the course in Corinth for 18 months!
Nigel
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