Matthew 10:22. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
And then it was Wednesday, the second wind day of our work week, another beautiful summer’s day! And much to my surprise my key board is working properly and I haven’t done anything to it since yesterday, when it began acting up. Ah Lord eh! Who knows about this modern technology eh? It’s all so fragile and finicky, and suspiciously fails and falls down when you truly need it.
So, since God has spared our lives to see another day on Planet Earth, let’s keep our promise of yesterday, to continue looking at the tough times we can expect when we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour. And as we said yesterday, God has an overall Master Plan for all Believer’s lives; that’s conforming or changing us into the image of Christ, so we can become more like Him with each passing day. As Bruh Paul writes to the Corinthians: ‘But we all. With open (unveiled) face beholding as in a glass (mirror) the glory of the Lord, are changed (being transformed) into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ (2 Cor. 3:18)
And what does all of that mean? This commentary explains it thus: ‘The statement “the Lord changes us into the image of Christ” is a core Christian belief found in the Bible, particularly in 2 Corinthians 3:18. It describes a supernatural process where the Holy Spirit transforms believers into the likeness of Jesus, fostering a progressive change in their character, values, and behavior as they behold God’s glory. This transformation is a lifelong journey, with the goal of reflecting Christ’s character in the world.’
And it is indeed a lifelong journey friends, as the Lord is constantly at His potter’s wheel forming and shaping us into the image of His Son, bit by bit, reminiscent of Bruh Paul’s words to the Philippians on the subject. ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you, will perform (complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 1:6) Yes mih bredrin, the Lord will continually work to transform us into the image of Christ until He returns, or He takes us home.
And believe me the Christian life is not an easy journey, for in the first place others will dislike us just because we’re Christians. As Jesus warned the disciples: ‘And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.’ (Matt. 10:22)
Then there are the normal ups and downs of life, with tough circumstances falling on all of us at some time or the other, plus the tests that God Himself will take us through or allow to happen, so He can test the genuineness of our faith, as well as grow us in spiritual maturity. And I like how the above commentary breaks down the Process of Transformation:
‘By the Holy Spirit: The transformation into Christ’s image is a work of the Holy Spirit. From Beholding to Becoming: By continuously “beholding the glory of the Lord” (through God’s word and worship), believers are changed. Progressive Change: The process is not instant but occurs from “one degree of glory to another,” indicating a continuous, ongoing metamorphosis. Renewing the Mind: This spiritual change involves a renewal of the mind, freeing believers from the patterns of the world and conforming them to God’s will.’
And we do go through a metamorphosis like the butterfly changing from a caterpillar to the beautiful creature with gossamer wings. Now, there’s lot’s more to be said, but it would only make the Bit too long and somewhat confusing; just too much to take in at one sitting. (smile) So, again, if the Lord spares our lives, we’ll continue looking at this very important topic of transformation by the Holy Spirit into the image of Christ.
And with that final word, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And to encapsulate all of that (smile) there’s an unwritten promise that all who endure to the very end with Jesus, will enjoy an even more glorious future than they can ever imagine or comprehend. So lets’ be wise and endure to the end, so we can enjoy that most glorious future together nuh! Much LOVE!
…it’s unwise to accept Jesus…and not continue with Him to the very end…
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