All this was done

God works many things in accordance with His plans. Matthew 1:22 says, "So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet'. Matthew 21:4 says, "All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet". And then we come to the horrible story about the betrayal of Jesus in Matthew 26:47-56:

And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him." Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?" Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. But Jesus said to him, "Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?" In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.

We so often here about Judas betraying Jesus, and yet what about the disciples that did not stay close to him in the rough times? Those that stood bravely by Jesus as long as things were going well, but who abandoned Him when things looked hopeless in their eyes.

Have you stayed by Jesus through the times when things looked hopeless? Have you trusted in Jesus in the times when it didn't look like God was going to do anything to deliver you? Have you had faith in the times when it seemed everything was unraveling before your eyes, as well as in the good times when everything seemed to be working out?

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
(Heb 6:10-12)

God is faithful. Let's imitate Him!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.