"Faithful is HE"

 

1st.Thessalonians 5:23-24 "And the very GOD of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray GOD your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Faithful is HE that calleth you, WHO also will do it."

     From time to time, we sing a wonderful old hymn titled "Great is THY Faithfulness," pictured above, of which the first stanza proclaims the following "Great is THY faithfulness, O GOD my FATHER, There is no shadow of turning with THEE; THOU changest not, THY compassions they fail not; As THOU hast been THOU forever wilt be." The refrain beautifully encompasses the following jubilant thoughts: "Great is THY faithfulness ! Great is THY faithfulness ! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed THY hand hath provided; Great is THY faithfulness, LORD unto me !"

     The words of that hymn, written by Thomas O. Chisholm, cap the benediction (an invocation of blessing) that Paul the Apostle prayed on behalf of the saints in Thessalonica (v.23): "The very GOD of peace," HIMSELF, do what Paul could not do by his own power nor by the efforts of the people (Romans 16:20; Hebrews 13:20). Paul prays to the GOD of Heaven that these believers would be holy (set-apart), which is one of the necessary conditions of peace (Philippians 4:7). His prayer also contains the request that they would be perfect (mature) in every respect and their whole spirit, soul, and body would be guarded and blameless in entirety "unto the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (v.23).

     Now the Apostle divulges the secret of how all of this is to be accomplished: "Faithful is HE that calleth you, WHO also will do it" (v.24). GOD will cause HIS calling to fulfill HIS purpose for you and bring your life to HIS desired end, preserving and presenting you blameless at the coming of JESUS CHRIST (v.23; Romans 8:30; 1st.Peter 5:10 pictured above). The LORD is faithful to HIS promises, and HE has a deep, abiding love for HIS own. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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