“But we are not of them who draw back into perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”Hebrews 10:39
Even if you’re the only one left or still standing, stay focused and faithful, Pilgrim—for the “Captain of your salvation” (Heb. 2:10) is on His way to get you.
Battles are won and lost before the first shot is fired. And, even if it seems the tide has turned against you, you need not fear—for the same God Who sustained Joseph in the pit and prison and “prospered him” while there (Gen. 37:1-39:23) before elevating him to the palace (40:1-41:44) is the same One Who sustains you even now.
Assuredly, there are those who “sprang up quickly in a blaze of glory” after making a profession of faith and were baptized. They were bright, up-and-coming stars (or so it seemed). But, then, “something happened.”
Soon, they missed one Sunday. Then, another. And, another.
And, before long, they were nowhere to be found. And, no matter of calls, cards and visits could bring them back. They were the “shallow-soil professors who withered in the heat of battle, yielding no fruit and showing no signs of life” (Mt. 13:5-6).
Likewise, there were others—so full of promise, talent and ability.
They had the “goods”. . .the looks. . .the charm. . .a good head on their shoulders. . .were successful and respected.
But, alas, “they had no fruit” (Mt. 13:22). They were always more worried about the stock market and their 401K than they were God’s Kingdom Work. That’s why they only gave 1.5% to His coffers and less than that to doing His will. It seemed they were “saved and satisfied” and talked a good talk; but, don’t count on them when the chips are down and the Battle’s heating up. They’ll be nowhere to be found—for they’ve “drawn back (Grk. ‘hupostello’—‘to withhold under, cower down, shrink back, reserve, avoid, etc.’)” instead of driving forward.
And, don’t forget to see what they’ve “drawn back” to?
“Perdition” (Grk. “apoleia”—“ruin, loss, destruction, waste, that which perishes, etc.”).
The same word used to describe Judas (Jn. 17:12) and the Anti-Christ (II Thess. 2:3). No wonder Jesus said of Judas, “It’d been better if he’d never been born” (Mk. 14:21). What a sad description and epitaph from our Lord.
But, dear Pilgrim, we need never fear He’ll say the same of us in the Judgment if we are truly His child and truly born again through His Blood. Though tempted and tried… “reproached and afflicted” (Heb. 10:33). . .we shall continue “living by faith, not sight” (v.38a; Hab. 2:4)… for we long for the pleasure of His smile, never wanting to hear Him say, “My soul shall have no pleasure in Him” (v.38b; Hab. 2:3-4).
“Run the race that is set before you with patience, Pilgrim, as you keep your eyes focused on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith” (Heb. 12:1c-2a). We are not saved by our perseverance; we simply persevere because we are saved. Hallelujah! And, it is our “seeing the end of our faith” (I Pet. 1:9) that helps us to endure. Glory! Forward! March!!
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated March 17, 2011
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