Grace to Cross the Finish Line

Jesus is the answer for the world today. He fills and satisfies souls who receive Him with love joy and peace. He is a healer. He is a provider. He leads people to serve one another in love. He is the earthly embodiment of God and God’s ways.

The blessings outweigh the trials for us who know and walk with our Savior.

The Apostle John wrote, “Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” [1]

Today, I’m looking at a prayer of Jeremiah. He told the Lord, “When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your Name, Lord God Almighty. I did not sit in the assembly of the mockers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone because of Your hand, for You have filled me with indignation.” [2]

Jeremiah’s love for the Word of God distanced him from his countrymen because they wanted nothing to do with God and His Word.

Jeremiah could relate with the prayer of the Psalmist, who prayed, “Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.” [3]

He questioned God, “Why is my pain perpetual and my wound incurable, which refuses to be healed? Will You surely be to me like an unreliable stream, as waters that fail?” [4]

Nowadays, we Christians can relate with Christ on the cross. How people hurt Him! His own people betrayed, hated, and crucified Him! The pain of such a wound goes deep to the core of a person. What salve heals such a wound? What drink conquers such a deprivation? God Himself must fill the void left by such treatment.

Amidst mockers we must turn to the Lord for fellowship. King David prayed, “I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah” [5]

The Lord said to Jeremiah: “If you return, then I will bring you back; You shall stand before Me; if you take out the precious from the vile, you shall be as My mouth. Let them return to you, but you must not return to them.” [6]

Jeremiah needed to stay focused. Continue extracting dross from silver! Keep winnowing chaff from the wheat! Stay with solid food... “Solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” [7]

The weak need the man or woman of God to stand strong... “We did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the Gospel would remain with you.” [8]

“I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.” [9]

The Lord reminded Jeremiah of His promise to him at the on-start of his ministry, saying, “I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you, says the Lord. I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible.” [10]

Quite often in Bible, God sends His prophets and apostles into enemy territory to proclaim His Word to them. Paul wrote of being burdened beyond measure while ministering the Word in Asia. He had to trust God to deliver him from death. He told the Corinthians, “He [the Lord] will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us.” He needed the Lord and he needed the prayers of God’s people just to survive. [11]

Paul also wrote to Timothy of “Alexander the coppersmith.” Alexander did Paul much harm. At his first defense no one stood with Paul. They forsook him. But the Lord stood with him and strengthened him, so that his ministry continued. Paul testified to Timothy, “I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” [12]

“Momentary” is a good word to remember when experiencing trials for proclaiming God’s Word. Paul wrote to the Corinthians. “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” And to the Roman Christians, he wrote, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” [13]

Soon the trials will be over and the glory of the Lord will be shining brightly upon us. God’s grace will help us cross the finish line.

[1] 1 John 1:4
[2] Jeremiah 15:16-17
[3] Psalm 142:6
[4] Jeremiah 15:18
[5] Psalm 143:6
[6] Jeremiah 15:19
[7] Hebrews 5:14
[8] Galatians 2:5
[9] Acts 20:27
[10] Jeremiah 15:20-21
[11] 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
[12] 2 Timothy 4:15-18
[13] 2 Corinthians 4:17; Romans 16:20