The greatest Encouragement . . .

 

Out of the many ways that people can encourage one another, what does it best for me is seeing and hearing how God is at work or hearing His promises to do something in the future. Both take my eyes off the present situation to either remember His power and/or look forward to it. For me, human promises, speculations, and words like “it will be okay” do not do it. They are anchored in mere human hope that has no sure foundation. Learning this takes a long time and a few painful experiences.

ENCOURAGE has many meanings. It can be persuasion that earnestly supports a response or action; or consolation and comfort in times of disappointment; or anything that gives relief in affliction. When tied to God as the source, I am greatly encouraged when He gives me direction whenever I feel confused or distressed, as well as simply offering spiritual truth when I need it. He might use people or other books for this, but most of His encouragement comes from the Bible and from answered prayer.

Encouragement from the Word of God is expressed in many verses. Here are a few that declare this truth:

(Psalm 119:49–50) Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.

(Romans 15:4) For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

(1 Corinthians 14:31) For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged.

(1 Thessalonians 4:18) Therefore encourage one another with these words.

What are those words if not His promises! When God says something will happen, it always has and always will. For me, this is an anchor, a great encouragement . . .

(Hebrews 6:17–20) So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath (solemn promise), so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf . . .  

Encouragement from answered prayer also has many examples in Scripture. Here are some of the prayers:

(Romans 15:5–6) May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Philippians 2:1–2) So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

I was not in Rome or Philippi to see the answers to these prayers but I do see them in the Body of Christ where we worship. The harmony is outstanding. One example is our business meetings, even those discussing finances; they are short and without any conflict at all. The unified focus is on the needs of others, not personal ‘I wants’ or issues that divide. Our pastors often praise God for this unity with the words, “Only God, only God!”

GAZE INTO HIS GLORY. God is the ultimate encourager. He has at least two reasons in mind for the comfort He gives. One is so I will pass it on to others using the same comfort He gives me: telling them what the Bible says . . .  

(2 Corinthians 1:3–4) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

The other reason is that I will be established (determined and strengthened) to do good and speak messages of hope and comfort rather than doom and gloom, that is, I will share how God answers my prayers.

(2 Thessalonians 2:16–17) Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

(Psalm 107:2) Let the redeemed of the Lord say so . . . !

 

Protection for the guilty . . .

Those Old Testament laws can be puzzling. One of them concerns what today we call manslaughter:

“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall select cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person without intent may flee there. The cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment . . .’” (Numbers 35:10–12)

The rest of the passage describes the difference between murder and manslaughter, and the necessity of atonement by shed blood. This law reveals both the mercy and the justice of God.

Even though I know that Jesus is spoken of throughout the OT, I’d not connected this passage to Him until today. The author of my devotional points to the New Testament verse that makes the connection.

“So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul . . .” (Hebrews 6:17–20, italics show the connection)

Our sin may not be manslaughter, but whatever we have done against others and God, judgment is due. However, God provides a way of escaper. We can flee for refuge to the Lord Jesus Christ. Restitution for some sins against people might be necessary, but those who find refuge in Christ will not perish or experience God’s wrath because of Jesus.

Those already in that place of safety must clearly show the way, just as was done in the time of the OT. Fortner cites ancient Jewish rabbis who relate that at least once every year, the magistrates of each city of refuge were responsible to make sure the road was clear and easily passable, without obstacles that would hinder any who flee to their city. Work crews removed all large rocks, fallen trees, and every stumbling block. Low places were filled; high places leveled. Not only that, they put markers along the road with the word ‘refuge’ written in bold letters. When a fugitive came to a cross-road, he knew where to go. Once in that city of refuge, he was secure.

As a sinner saved by grace, I know that my ‘city of refuge’ is Jesus Christ. By running to Him, I am secure from the wrath of God. The road signs say: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.” By his righteousness and blood, Christ removed every obstacle so I found Him. He sent his Spirit to reveal the way and lead me safely to Him, my refuge.

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (2 Samuel 22:31)

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 2:12)

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)

The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. (Psalm 34:22)

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (Proverbs 30:5)

The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel. (Joel 3:16)

^^^^^^^^^^^^

Jesus, it is right to fear the wrath of God, yet You took that wrath so I do not have to be afraid. You are my hiding place. You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance. How amazing that the God who punishes sin took that punishment upon Himself — and all who flee to Him are set free and kept safe.