Whoever falls, does not crash

Whomever believes, works! This belief follows its destination in two ways. Firstly, to see that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and secondly, to realize that we are chosen to follow the LORD – through faith and the fruits which sprout therefrom. The disciples (there were more than just the twelve to start with) differed considerably. That which Jesus said about the 'bread of life' (John 6:48) angered some of them and they turned their backs on Him (verse 60-65). They experienced it as a “hard lesson” which was indigestable to them. Jesus spoke about His death on the cross. The remaining twelve disciples only really understood the lesson after Jesus rose from the dead, as foresaid by Him. However, even though they didn't understand, they did not abandon Jesus and Peter as representative asked: “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:68-69) Peter loved Jesus. This love was better than all knowledge and understanding. Jesus was not angry that the disciples could not follow Him in some ways because He knew that the events to come would bring light into the darkness. Jesus washed the disciples' feet (John 13:3-10) which, to begin with, was obviously uncomfortable and embarrassing for Peter. After everything that he had experienced and realized with Jesus this was just too much for him. Jesus explained to him that, even though he did not understand this action at that stage, he would understand it so much more afterwards. So, how do we do the works of God? Through our practical faith in Jesus Christ and through following Him! We Christians are the living work of God, and protected through God's power, revealed in our faith, righteousness, and salvation to the end. And this, in spite of all adversities and impossibilities.

We read this in 1 Peter 1:3-5 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” Here on earth is where we are preserve, but also proven. Why? Because, without God's protection no believer could exist spiritually in the dominion of Satan. And because our personality, which can and wants to believe, must first become genuine and credible (verse 6-7). This occurs through “various trials” (2 Corinthians 4:17) resulting in a precious probation time here on earth and an eternal bliss in heaven. Satan wants to destroy however, with his many attacks on us, he is unintentionally assisting Christians. And when we fall, we rise again (Proverbs 24:16; Psalm 37:24). Whoever falls, does not crash! Satan is subordinate to the eternal will of the Almighty God – we Christians are living proof thereof, even though we err. In exactly such times, it becomes evidently clear how much we need salvation and to what extent the righteousness of God (namely the Son of God) has forgiven and continues to forgive all sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). God gave us faith and will, in accordance with His promise, bring us to our final goal. The Author and Finisher of our faith is Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2). Amen.

Jörg Bauer