The Kingdom is at Hand

faithful (Photo credit: Amydeanne)

The Message Bible translates the Christians at Colossae as “stalwart followers of Christ”. How would you like to have someone note that you are a stalwart follower of Christ in a letter that would be read by millions over the ages?

In Revelation the 144,000 saints in heaven are described as:

Revelation 14:4 For they are spiritually undefiled, pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the men on the earth as a consecrated offering to God and the Lamb.

5 No falsehood can be charged against them; they are blameless. tlb

What devotion to follow the Lamb of God wherever he would lead us? When we are in God’s perfect will, abiding in Him, we are protected and spiritually undefiled. The world entices us to follow after the flesh and have an adulterous relationship with sin, which is defiling. Jesus paid the price. He purchased us with his own shed blood, so now we are set apart for a sanctified and consecrated relationship with him.

vs. 4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [the leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness] and of the love which you [have and show] for all the saints (God’s consecrated ones), tab

4 We keep getting reports on your steady faith in Christ, our Jesus, and the love you continuously extend to all Christians. THE MESSAGE

What faith! The ability to know Jesus so closely that we truly lean our entire life, that is every aspect in absolute trust. Wow! Trust that He will never fail us. Trust that no matter whatever the circumstances are, we still trust him no matter what. So faithful that we never doubt his word or love for us. We have a newfound confidence in Jesus’ power, wisdom and goodness. What wonderful traits for a master. Jesus is a good master and we can and should trust him in everything. When we operate in this realm of trust, in a faithful relationship, we can actually love others around us for the first time in our life. Love is based on forgiveness and until we genuinely know his forgiveness for us we cannot forgive or totally love others.

Nothing could be better than to receive a letter like this from an apostle of Christ. The only thing better would be for Jesus himself to say these words to us. Our life’s goal should be to hear Jesus say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

A page from an 11th century Gospel of Matthew (1:18-21), with Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:21 providing the origin of the name Jesus. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Matthew 25:21 His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys. tab

Faithfulness is a quality that can only be earned over time. The proof is in the our life as others see us and only consistent actions can confirm a person’s faithfulness. This type of characteristic best develops relationships, because we have consistent trustworthiness. Every successful marriage is based on this quality. We would all agree that a faithful spouse, friend or employee is the most valuable kind we could have.

Jesus too, wants us to be his faithful servant and then we will be of the most value to him.

How can we be faithful? What can we do to build this kind of relationship with Jesus? I am a firm believer that if we build this kind of relationship with Jesus we will know how to build faithful relationships with others, but if we slip in our relationship with Jesus the other earthly relationships will falter too. What will last when this earth is destroyed? Only our relationship with Jesus. This is all that we are able to take into eternity and here we will have relationships with those others who have a relationship with Jesus throughout eternity.

Vs. 2 To the saints (the consecrated people of God) and believing and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace (spiritual favor and blessing) to you and [heart] peace from God our Father. tab

The Kingdom is at Hand

What Does Faithful Mean? (Continued)

What Does Faithful Mean?

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