Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…
We are at the bookend of the year and it seems to have come and gone so very fast. The scripture is not silent about days like this. The scripture calls the Lord, The Author and the Finisher of our faith. God did not just start a work in you, but He will also finish it. He is a God of completion and He is calling His people to be likewise. Jesus once said that no one begins to build without considering the cost. He was emphatic that we look ahead in order to finish what we began. Finishing is what I’m concerned about in this day of the uncommitted spirit. Many commence, but few complete.
Jesus prophesied about the last days in which the Church would be persecuted. He foretold of a time to come: 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. He said, “you will have trouble; my name will invoke a rage against you… but get to the end and you’ll be saved.” Completion. I submit that finishing is critical to our faith.
Yet, there is another element that cannot be overlooked. It’s not just that you finish, but it’s how you finish. Paul wrote it this way: Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
Our lives are too short to be in angst. I pray for Joy today and in the coming year. It is better when we give cheerfully; worship with adoration; greet with a smile; and walk by faith. Both our individual and collective witness is greater when we exhibit the Joy of the Lord. By virtue of it, the Joy of the Lord will be our strength.
I’m looking to Jesus because He always finishes what He begins. Even on the Cross, He said, “It is finished.” He’s a God that completes the work. I’m thankful for this year and I’m ready to see the next move of God in our lives and in our church. It’s going to be a great year and here it comes… 2018!
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole
One response to “Finisher …”
Amen.