Faithful & True

The Apostle John wrote that Jesus is the Faithful and True warrior (Revelation 19:11). In a world where there is so much dishonesty and deception, it is refreshing to know there is one who is faithful. Paul said he God is faithful even when we are faithless (2 Tim 2:13). Even the greatest men and women in scripture had their flaws. But, there is one who is flawless. The Apostle Paul said it like this: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor 5:21).

It is hard to describe the disappointment when we hear about someone we respect who has been unfaithful. Their moral failure though unexpected, reminds us of our broken and unfaithful world. And, if we know them, it makes it even harder. However, this Warrior is faithful and true! He has never been unfaithful. He is the sinless Son of God.

When we were living in Corrientes, Argentina, I purchased a property for planting our first church there. It was a property with a tinglado—just a roof with metal legs. We paid about $50,000 in two payments. The second payment was due in 30 days, and a specific day was written into the contract. However, when that day was approaching, the government declared that banks would be closed for several days. I contacted the owners and let them know payment on that day would not be possible because the banks were closed. I could do it the first day they opened. They told me that I would forfeit the property and lose my first payment. I looked at the contract, and it did say that. I tried talking to them, telling them that it seemed unreasonable. They said they didn’t care what it appeared to me. Be there on that day with the money or lose the property and the first payment.

I contacted the only person who might have the money. He did, but no bank transfers were possible. I would have to go in person to get the money to a city 12 hours away. I could not get a plane or bus and get back in time. I would have to drive 12 hours there, stay no more than an hour and drive back. I did it and arrived at the owner’s house two hours before the deadline. I knocked on his door, and when he opened the door, I was standing there with two briefcases full of money, and I said, “Do you want to count it before you sign?” That, my friend, is an example of an unfaithful and dishonest man.

Experiences like this that are not uncommon for all of us make us long for a world where there is no dishonesty. That will never happen here, but it will one day in God’s heaven. There will be no sin there because there will be no sinners. Our natures will be changed and even our bodies will be transformed for heaven.

In John’s vision he saw Jesus on a white horse. What a warrior John describes: “He is called Faithful and True, He judges with justice and makes war, His eyes are like blazing fire, he wears a crown that has authority over all. There are so many things about him that are beyond our understanding. He comes to fight a battle that will be over before it states because he will simply speak the word. All those who are surrender their lives to him will come with him (Revelation 19:11-16).

John’s vision can help us have a greater appreciation of our purpose mundane though it may seem to us. It can inspirit us to remain faithful to the sovereign King and it can make us a long for our King to come and reign over us.

(Parenting with a Long View) https://bovdbrooks.com/