December 11

Morning

The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. — 1 Thess 5:24 BSB

Heaven is a place where we will never sin again, where we will no longer need to guard ourselves against a relentless enemy, for there will be no tempter to lead us astray. There, the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary find rest. Heaven is an “undefiled inheritance,” a land of perfect holiness and complete security. But don’t the saints, even here on earth, sometimes taste the joy of that blissful security?

The teaching of God’s Word assures us that all who are united with the Lamb are safe, that the righteous will persevere, and that those who have entrusted their souls to Christ will find Him to be a faithful and unchanging protector. Sustained by this truth, we can experience a sense of security even on earth—not that perfect, eternal security which will free us from every stumble, but a holy security grounded in Jesus’ promise that none who believe in Him will ever perish but will be with Him where He is.

Believer, let us often dwell on the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints with joy, and honor the faithfulness of God by placing our confidence in Him. May our God bring home to you a deep sense of your safety in Christ Jesus! May He whisper in your ear the promise, “Fear not, I am with you,” and assure you that your name is engraved on His hand.

Look to Christ, the great Surety of the covenant, as faithful and true, bound and committed to presenting you—the weakest in His family—along with all the chosen before the throne of God. In this sweet contemplation, you will taste the rich, spiced wine of the Lord’s pomegranate and savor the fruits of Paradise. You will catch a glimpse of the joys that fill the hearts of the saints in heaven if you can believe with unwavering faith that “He who calls you is faithful, and He will surely do it.”

Evening

because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. — Col 3:24 BSB

To whom was this word spoken? Was it addressed to kings who claim a divine right to rule? No! Too often they serve themselves or Satan and forget the God who allows them their short reign of mimic majesty. Was it spoken to those so-called “right reverend fathers” or “venerable bishops”? Certainly not! Paul knew nothing of these human-made titles. Nor was this word addressed to pastors, teachers, or the wealthy and respected among believers. No, it was spoken to servants—yes, even to slaves!

Among the laboring masses, the workers, the day laborers, and the domestic servants, Paul found, as we still find today, some of the Lord’s chosen ones. To them, he says, “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, knowing that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. For you are serving the Lord Christ.”

This truth dignifies the most humble tasks and casts a divine glow over the simplest work. Washing feet may seem lowly, but to wash His feet is royal service. Unfastening a sandal may seem trivial, but unfastening the Master’s sandal is a princely privilege. The shop, the barn, the kitchen, and the office become holy temples when men and women perform their tasks for the glory of God.

“Divine service” is not limited to a few hours or certain places; all of life becomes holy unto the Lord. Every place and every task can be as sacred as the tabernacle and its golden lampstand when we live and work for His glory.