Tuesday 3 July, 2018

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

It’s interesting that Jesus stresses he has not come to take away from any of what God had already done. Jesus is carrying on God’s great story, and is the living answer to the many prophecies from long ago.

It reminds me that God is not interested in starting something, sketching it out, then crumpling up the paper and throwing it on the rubbish pile. He sees things through to completion, including us.

What an encouraging reason to trust God.

Am I also committed to the process? Am I partnering with God in terms of what He is doing in me, in those around me and in the world at large? Am I exercising patience in the waiting, and trusting that fruit WILL grow, people WILL come to faith and I WILL change…

God, please help me to remember that you are the God who does not quit on your people or your promises. Help me to pray and live with that in mind. Amen.

Written by Bethany Waugh