February 22, 2022

“He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die.” prov 19:16 nkjv

Life, I think, as a believer in God’s Word, is predefined from the beginning… Note Peter’s words in chapter 1 of first Peter...

”To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” 1 pet 1:1-2 nkjv

A footnote to this verse defines “pilgrims” as sojourners, temporary residents. I believe that also applies to us, because this temporal realm is expressed in time (as confirmed on our grave markers… born date – death date). It is really a very short “sojourn.” Peter says believers are the “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.”

Peter goes on to say… “He [Yeshua] indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” 1 pet 1:20-21 nkjv

Above, Peter says, “Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” Of course that is why Yeshua [Jesus] was Yahweh’s plan from before “time” was… it [grace and peace multiplied] was foreordained before the foundation of the world, which means Yahweh gifted us Yeshua because He understood we were impossibly helpless unless the “sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Yeshua,” was the substance of our destiny.

The Psalmist David, whom the Bible tells us, was a man after God’s own heart (acts 13:22 nkjv)… had this to say about the works and words of God:

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.” ps 19:7-11 nkjv

I think that “in keeping them there is great reward;” first, in this life, is what multiplies “Grace and Peace;” and second, in our eternal inheritance there is the pleasure in hearing the words, “well done, good and faithful servant...”

Shalom... John