Tues., 12/13/16 Devotion (2 Chron. 15:7)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 15:7, where we read these words:

"But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!"

Judah's prophet Oded spoke these words (above) to the faithful, reforming King Asa. Sometimes, we need to be encouraged to be strong—especially when we are engaged in difficult, unpopular, and counter-cultural labors. Asa would soon be dismantling more idolatry in Judah, and he needed God's (and His prophet's) helpful words.

What the faithful church does for Christ sometimes riles sinners up. Does this mean we should stop serving Jesus? No. Instead, let us do our ministry faith-fully; but perform it with as little offense as possible. Still, we must discharge it with a firm and unswerving commitment to our Redeemer.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Job the sufferer was more renowned than Alexan-der the conqueror.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]