Memorise: And ye shall be hated of all men for my name sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Mark 13:13
Devotional Reading: Matthew 13:1-33
The Christian race is not a short one, and certainly not an easy road, but a marathon; you know there is a finish line but you can’t see it. Our Lord Jesus Christ did not hide this truth from us when He said but of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only Matthew 24:36. To endure suggests that one would have to live with some things that are not compatible with our nature, this is a truth that some 21st century believers are not ready to accept and live with.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said we should come and learn of Him, in the process of learning from Him, we must take His yoke upon us. The burden of our Lord Jesus Christ is justice, righteousness; peace, love for God and acceptable service to humanity, particularly those in the household of faith.
The Bible says: As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith, Galatians 6:10. What calls for endurance in the Christian walk and why should we endure? Jesus Christ confronted the people of old about the fact that they hated Him, because He stood for the truth which His Father sent Him to tell the world. If ye were Abraham children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me, John 8:39-40, 42. Against this background, our Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples, and us by extension, that He was sending us forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, and that we should be as wise as serpents, and as harmless as doves. He went further to tell us what was to come: and ye shall be hated of all men for my name sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. Mathew 10:22
Beloved, as we journey through the wilderness of this world towards our heavenly home, don’t let us forget that this way is a narrow one. It takes a lot of discipline and self-denial to scale through successfully. This reminds me of a beautiful hymn written in 1921 by John W Peterson: “Its not an easy road, we are travelling to heaven, for many are the thorns on the way,….”
Straight is the gate and narrow is the way according to the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us forge ahead and the Lord will see us through to heavenly Canaan in Jesus name. Whatever situation that may warrant your backsliding shall be destroyed this day in the mighty Name of Jesus.
May be you are currently going through trials or afflictions, or the journey of life seems dark and gloomy, don’t give up, endure and hold on, there is hope for you, help is near, God will make a way for you. I pray for you today, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, you will not give up before your deliverance arrive, help is on the way.
May the Lord give you the desire, will, strength and grace to end your earthly race well and finish it gloriously unto everlasting life in Jesus name.
Prayer point: Everlasting father, please help me endure till the end until i receive my crown of glory in Jesus name.
Key Dose: All that will endure till the end, shall be saved.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
