Nougat 24

Are you familiar with the phrase ‘an exercise in futility’ – something that’s neither worth one’s time or the effort? I believe we have each had a moment’s wonder about salvation. We see our prayers getting a resounding No; or Life happens; or those who’re unapologetically unbelievers continue to be successful, and we wonder – what if?

Today’s Holy Nougat is a good reminder that being a believer is not only about the now.

“But thanks be to God, who keeps giving us the victory through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah! Therefore, my dearly loved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord—because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:57-58‬ ‭TLV‬‬

Now this writer is either a wordsmith, or under divine direction, for the argument is posited to refute the likely ‘what ifs’. We might surmise that some Corinthian saints were challenged by the finitude of death and were close to calling it quits. Or it might be that some were concerned about the inequalities and injustices of their day. What we do know is that our writer is encouraging them to remain focused on their Faith, for the now and in anticipation of the eternal blessings.Having pressed the point connecting sin and death, the encouragement is ‘stay the course’.

This is an appropriate and encouraging word for us believers today. Amidst the various challenges and crises facing us – be it Covid, Climate Concerns, or Conflict – we also receive and offer the reminder: Christ is risen. Christ sits at God’s right hand interceding on our behalf. God’s Spirit dwells within to further strengthen our commitment and assure us that death (death) is truly defeated.

With our commitment renewed, we see the fruit of our faithfulness as we excel in what we are tasked. Moreover, we have the assurance that God’s seal is upon us (through the Passover feast now ratified by Christ’s blood). This confirms that we are qualified and authorized to receive all the Abrahamic promises handed to the Jews.

Yes, we are blessed; better yet, we are points of God’s blessings to others, offering them the opportunity to share in the fruit of abundant life.

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May all we seek be found in Christ