ICS Daily Devotions
Persevering to the End
James 5:11 NKJV “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”
Many would consider the times we live in as suffering due to the escalation of the pandemic COVID19 situation and the economic crisis that will take place because of it. How do we see what Christ did on the cross to help us in times like this?
We know that everything that God made was very good and glorious at the time of creation. Man was made to be eternal beings but because of sin, we have to deal with death and separation from God. Sin originated in the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and brought suffering onto the world and mankind. It wasn’t part of God’s plan for man to suffer but since He gave us the ability to choose between good and evil, the sinful nature causes us to make decisions that can bring suffering into our lives, our families and our communities. Choosing evil allows the god of this age to wreak havoc on this earth.
When we choose to sin, our relationship with God is affected and there is a price to pay for sin. God’s wrath on sin cannot be satisfied by any earthly sacrifice as we see in the Old Testament, they had to give animal sacrifices yearly which still did not remove their sins or please God. This is why He sent His Son to save us from the punishment of sin by being the ultimate sacrifice that was blameless and unblemished. He redeemed us with His blood and gave us His righteousness. We have been justified by His blood and we have peace with God through the work of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1-4 NKJV “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Since we have peace with God, He will not be against us nor does He want to punish us but rather, He will journey with us on this earth before the second return of Christ. He promised us that nothing will separate us from His love, nor will He leave or forsake us. Restoring the relationship with us is the very reason and purpose that God sent Jesus to die for us so that He is able to journey with us during the days of tribulation on earth. It is in this relationship with us that His grace is infused into our hearts so that we are able to persevere through suffering and pain. Just as He did not spare his own Son, the Lord Jesus, who suffered judgement, persecution, condemnation and finally crucifixion. He now sits at the right hand of God having conquered death and obtained eternal redemption for us. Thanks be to God that a glorious future in heaven awaits us!
Sermon Series: Resurrection Sunday 2020 – Job & I
