Have you ever been waiting on someone to arrive? Perhaps for a surprise party, or maybe a food delivery driver? It could be that someone is peeking out the window as they wait. Then you hear the words you’ve been waiting for … Here he comes!
Before we get to who’s coming and why, let me welcome you to “Mornings with Bishop Robert” — I’m glad that you’re coming to join me in my study this morning. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend!
Recognizing most food delivery drivers is easy – they have signs on their vehicle. Recognizing a police officer, a fire fighter or an EMT is easy, as well; they wear uniforms. (It’s one of the reasons I love to travel in my clerical collar. It’s amazing who will come up and share their heart, ask for prayer, etc when I’m “in uniform.”) But how can you recognize a follower of Jesus?
Today’s verse says TELL THOSE WHO HAVE A FEARFUL HEART – BE STRONG! DON’T BE AFRAID.
So what does it look like to BE STRONG? Well, there’s an example I know of that I first heard when I was young in the faith. It encouraged me. Though I don’t typically use long quotes I think that this is one worth hearing. I’d love to give credit to the original author, but I came to me as anonymous. I hope it speaks to you as much as it did me. And I hope it encourages you to BE STRONG. It’s entitled “No Turning Back”
I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living and itty-bitty goals.
I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, live by prayer and labor by His power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow. My way may be rough and my companions few, but my Guide is reliable and my mission clear. I cannot be bought, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won’t give up, shut up or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus.
I must go ‘till He comes, give ‘till I drop, speak of Him ‘till all know and work ‘till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me.The good news is — HERE HE COMES. The day is coming when Jesus will split the sky and return for His Church. It’s a promise as sure as the sun coming up in the east.
But there’s MORE good news to be had. Just like He did with His disciples while He walked the earth, He is sending YOU on ahead of Him with His message.
So BE STRONG! He lives within you if you’re a follower of Jesus. And His Holy Spirit will empower you to serve Him well everywhere He sends you.
DON’T BE AFRAID. Step up and step out. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing you. And until He comes, no one else will have any problem recognizing that you’re a follower of Jesus either.
