Strengthen your brothers

"The Lord said to Simon Peter: I have prayed that your faith may not fail; and you in your turn must strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22: 23)

"…. And the gates of the underworld can never overcome you." (Matthew 6: 18)

 

How I love to claim the above scriptures. But why not? Jesus Christ has prayed for me too. I may be tempted, the storms may rage, the underworld may unleash it most severe fury, the assurance of the protection of Christ is my bulwark. A thousand may line up behind me and ten thousand face me, I will not be afraid.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear?

The lord is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?" (Psalm 27: 1)

My Good Shepherd

"Who do people say the Son of Man is? …… But you, who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16: 13, 15)

• You are my Lord and my God.
  
• You are my Savior and my Redeemer
  
• You are my King and my Boss
  
• You are my best Friend and my Companion
  
• You are my Good Shepherd.
  
• You are my Security and my Doctor.
  

Thank you Jesus for being all these to me and much more.

My flock

"Give a shepherd's care to the flock of God that is entrusted to you: watch over it, not simply as a duty but gladly, as God wants; not for sordid money, but because you are eager to do it." (1 Peter 5: 2)

God has made me my brother's keeper. He has also entrusted everybody with a flock. Who is my flock today?

• Family
  
• Ministry
  
• Friends
  
• People I intercede for
  
• Clients
  

These are people I meet every day in thought, word or person.

God instructed man to be his brother's keeper. Since the Christian is called to a higher standard, we are commanded to do it not as a "duty but gladly."

Higher Standard

"For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 5: 20)

• Do not be angry with your brother.
  
• Forgive your brother completely from the heart.
  

The new standard is higher than the old. For a friend and companion of Jesus, this standard will still be higher.

Knowledge of God 2

"You have made heaven and earth, and all the marvels that are under heaven. You are the Master of the universe and no one can resist you, Lord." (Esther 4: 17c)

Esther's knowledge of God reminds me of two other biblical characters: Hannah, mother of Samuel and Mary, Mother of Jesus. In a prayer of thanksgiving, these two women poured forth their knowledge of God and faith in him. How empowering it is to know God. To know that God our Father is almighty, all wise, all loving and to act on this knowledge everyday is to live a truly victorious life.

How can we come by this knowledge of God?

The word of God, the Bible is the source of true knowledge of God.

Sovereign God

"Lord, Lord, Almighty King, everything is subject to your power, and there is no one who can withstand you in your determination to save Israel." (Esther 4: 17b)

"For in putting all things under him he made no exceptions." (Hebrews 2: 8)

God made no exceptions to the law that "All things serve him." (Psalm 119:91)

He made no exceptions to the law that "All things work together for good to them that love him." (Romans 8: 28)

Jesus Christ has absolute power to save us. There are no exceptions in this. Everyone is included.

 

"It follows, then, that his power to save those who come to God through him is absolute, since he lives forever to intercede for them." (Hebrews 7: 25)

Christ's power to save is absolute. The power of Jesus is not bound by the limitations of geography or time. He has absolute power in the truest sense of the word. He is therefore worthy of absolute trust.

Example of Jonah

"The word of Yahweh was addressed to Jonah a second time. 'Up!' he said, 'Go to Nineveh, the great city, and preach to it as I shall tell you.' Jonah set out and went to Nineveh in obedience to the word of Yahweh." (Jonah 3: 1 – 3)

Jonah had learned his lesson after the experience of disobeying God the first time he heard God's command. His trying to escape God was futile. Because the gifts and call of God are irrevocable (Romans 11: 29), the call came a second time. This time, Jonah was ready to do what he was commanded. He set out in obedience to Yahweh to preach 'what Yahweh shall tell him,' no more, no less. The Ninevites were also ready for God's word and responded to the call for conversion.

Lord, your gifts and call are irrevocable. Thank you for your faithfulness and mercy. May your gifts and call to me not be in vain. Amen!