29/12/2020 - THE LORD OF OUR FAITH

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just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: [...]. Romans 4:6

Throughout the Old Testament, we see many people acting by faith, even without understanding it. However, in the New Testament, Jesus explains what it does for those who use it. There are countless cases of servants of the Lord who escaped great problems through it. The first was Enoch, the seventh after Adam, who walked with God and was no longer seen, because the Lord took him for himself (Genesis 5:24). Hallelujah!

Undoubtedly, the young men Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego had faith, because otherwise they would not please the Lord. Because they were God-fearing and knew the Scriptures – which forbade the Israelites to bow down to anyone who impersonated God – they were able to tell King Nebuchadnezzar that they would never worship his image. Through their obedience and faithfulness to the Lord, they emerged unscathed from the furnace.

By faith, Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain and pleased God. Now the shepherd looked for a beautiful, spotless lamb in his flock and offered it to the One who one day, would offer the Lamb, His Son, to save mankind. His brother, however, just took something and handed over his offer in anyway. For this reason, he did not please the Omnipotent, and it was said of him that he was of the wicked one (1 John 3:12). Faith brings such division in a person’s life! Mercy!

Daniel, whose Babylonian name was Belteshazzar, also acted by faith. He was elevated to one of the three most important men in the Chaldean kingdom. But, on the same night that happened, the kingdom fell (Daniel 5:30). Upon taking the throne, Darius, the fear, made Daniel one of the three princes to whom the rulers of the 120 provinces would give account. Whoever walks with the Lord will continue to be honored even though the kingdoms and their kings change.

Faith caused Noah to be divinely warned about the Flood that would cover the Earth. So he built an ark to save his family, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness (Hebrews 11: 7). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6); therefore, those who do not seek or receive it, but despise it, are unaware that they have despised life and the solution to their problems.

David became king of Israel by faith, although he did not seek that position. He was Jesse´s eight son, and system of those days gave the firstborn the privilege to everything in the father’s house. However, besides not letting Samuel anoint the eldest son of that house, God also said to the prophet: The Lord does not see as man sees (1 Samuel 16:7). Faith will accompany you throughout your life and then it will be at your side when you are received in glory. Seek that gift!

Successful will be those who do not expect to be imputed righteousness for what they have done, but for believing in the God who justifies the ungodly. Never try to please the Father in any other way, only as He expects to see you. True servants please the Lord perfectly, thus, they will receive the long-awaited crown of righteousness from the righteous Lord on the last Day!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares