One summer my son found work selling knives and kitchen tools for a well known U.S. company. He had to reach out to an adult contact list: people from church, neighbors, grandma, and friends of his parents. Not everyone wanted to purchase something. Many politely listened, giving him the opportunity to make a persuasive sales presentation; he even demonstrated the sharpness of a pair of scissors by cutting a penny in half, but in the end, most didn’t buy. Those who did bought out of love for my son, because they knew him as a friend.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew people became enslaved to the Egyptians. God sent Moses, one of their own, to lead them out of bondage. Through Moses God worked many miracles of judgment upon Egypt. In the wilderness, God performed many life-giving miracles to help the Israelites. Yet, as a people, they regretted having left Egypt and slavery and returned to idol worship. Only two adult men who came out of Egypt actually loved The Lord and entered the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb had followed The Lord fully. (Deuteronomy 34:10-12; Numbers 32:11-12)
In the New Testament, God sent His only Son, as one of their own to the Jewish people, that those who believed in Him would have everlasting life. Lord Jesus proved Who He was by the demonstrations of His authority. He healed the sick, cast out demons, opened the eyes of the blind, and raised the dead. Many believed. Yet after His death and resurrection, during a time of Roman occupation and persecution, only about 120 true disciples remained as followers. (Acts 1:15) They knew the Lord, had seen His resurrection, and loved Him. They would be the recipients of Holy Spirit baptism. (Acts 2)
Persuasive words may be spoken. Demonstrations of divine authority might be displayed. But true friends of God, and His Son, Lord Jesus, will remain even through dark times, fully obeying Him.
The covenant we have with Lord Jesus is as that of the marriage covenant, “in sickness and in health, for better for worse, for richer for poorer.” Commitment in the mind. Love in the heart.
Without commitment and love, we are not fully following God.
Lord Jesus stated, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
Those who love Him and keep His commands will move into the abundant life. They will live full lives filled with Holy Spirit. They will walk in God’s power. They will fulfill their lives’ purposes.
The marriage covenant is about responsibility. We must uphold our side of the commitment, even in times of difficulty—the wilderness, even in times of political turmoil and occupation. He will keep His side of the covenant as well: “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” is the promise God gave to the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
The promise made by Lord Jesus to His disciples, His last Words before ascending to the throne, “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20)
Are you keeping your half of the marriage covenant with Lord Jesus?
(C) 2020 Kelly Jadon