Howdy Folks…
Sometimes you are trying to understand something and have even opted to discuss it openly. Then suddenly and without any further action on your part, the answer is provided in an unexpected manner.
Let me explain.
In the last ‘Letter from Roscoe’ a discussion started the other day was in response to the comment of a reader who had raised the issue; ‘How do you know for sure that you’re saved?’ Well, out of the blue; Brother Eddie answered our question during Sunday night’s service in a message titled “How Can I Be Sure?”
Now how is that for interactive? (You’d think he had been reading ‘Letters from Roscoe’ or something like that…)
Reading from Luke 1:5-25 Brother Eddie told the story of Zechariah, Elizabeth and the Angel Gabriel. Zechariah, a priest who had recently drawn lots and was performing the ‘once in a lifetime service’ of burning the incense within the Holy Sanctuary of the Lord.
Although he was a priest, Zechariah’s faith was ‘weak’. He served God, but he never really expected to encounter him or the Angel Gabriel. Consequently, when Gabriel appeared and delivered the message about the soon to be born John the Baptist to the once barren Elizabeth, the unshakable faith of Zechariah was quite shaken causing him to ‘Doubt and question the message being delivered.’ In punishment, Zechariah was struck dumb until the child was born.
Sure enough, as promised, a few months later a baby was born exactly the way Gabriel described. Trust God to always keep his promises. That is the first part of being ‘Sure’. The second part is to always be ‘Strong in your Faith’ by being ready to encounter God at any time.
So as I understand the meaning behind this message; to be Sure you are saved, you must trust God to always keep his promises by being strong in your faith. Strong enough to expect to see him at any time. Strong like Ananias was in Acts 9:10. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” and Ananias’ response was:
“Yes, Lord!”
He was READY! He was EXPECTING the Lord! And he was PREPARED to serve! He was strong in faith and sure of his salvation.
Thanks Brother Eddie!