Trusting When We Cannot See
God's love for us is everlasting and unwavering, and He will never let His children go.
The preacher delves into the Greek word 'anemeno' which conveys the concept of expectant waiting, emphasizing sustained, patient, and trusting waiting for the imminent return of Jesus Christ. This word is used figuratively in 2Clement 19:4 to describe a blessed time awaiting the devout and debtors who are to pay up promptly. 'Anemeno' is used in the New Testament only once and in the Septuagint four times, highlighting the eager anticipation for justice and hope. The preacher emphasizes that 'anemeno' means more than just waiting; it signifies an active attempt to live for God's glory while expectantly awaiting the fulfillment of messianic promises in Christ's second coming.
Text
He has loved us with an everlasting love. If He had meant to cast us off, He would have had plenty of opportunity to do that long ago--and plenty of reason as well. But no sin which we are capable of committing has ever taken God by surprise for He knew we were just like that. . . Do you imagine that the Lord Jesus could come from heaven to save you and me, and be indifferent to the plight that some of us are in today? Did He go to Gethsemane and Calvary, and bear all the wrath of God for the judgment of my sin, then rise from the tomb to ascend into heaven and give to me the gift of resurrection life to live within this mortal body, only to let me perish?
When you think of what He has done for you personally today, can you ever say "Does He really care?" Once you were His enemy, now you are His friend. Once you were dead in sin, now you are alive in a relationship that is eternal. When you called on Him as a sinner He saved you on the ground of the blood that was shed for you. Do you imagine He is going to allow His child to be caste away?
It is only deliberate, willful sin that has not been confessed and forgiven that makes us feel that God has forsaken us, for that sin causes Him to hide His face from us. . .
If, however, there is no known sin or disobedience between you and the Lord, and as you think afresh of the blood of the everlasting covenant, remember that the Lord Jesus, because of that blood, cannot let one of His children go. "The outward man may perish, but the inward man is renewed day by day." Or as J. B. Phillips puts it in his graphic paraphrase of 2 Cor. 4:16: "This is the reason why we never collapse: the body suffers wear and tear, but we receive fresh daily strength inwardly, till we meet Him face to face."
Sermon Outline
- God's Unchanging Love
- The Lord's Indifference
- The Lord's Care
- The Lord's Unwavering Commitment
- The Lord's commitment to His children is unshakeable
- The Lord's commitment is based on the blood of the everlasting covenant
Key Quotes
“He has loved us with an everlasting love.” — Alan Redpath
“The outward man may perish, but the inward man is renewed day by day.” — Alan Redpath
“This is the reason why we never collapse: the body suffers wear and tear, but we receive fresh daily strength inwardly, till we meet Him face to face.” — Alan Redpath
Application Points
- We can trust in God's love and care for us, even when we feel like He has forsaken us.
- Our feelings do not determine God's love for us; His love is based on His character and covenant.
- We can find strength and renewal in God's love, even in the midst of physical suffering.