This Confidence of Ours

“Tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: On what are you basing this confidence of yours?'” (Isaiah 36:4, NIV 1984).

My Musings – A question we all may encounter from time to time. A question we must all be prepared to answer. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV 1984).

The Apostle Paul was prepared. “I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12, NIV 1984). His belief was in a risen Savior. What He had “entrusted to Him for that day” was that He too would be resurrected. Only a risen Savior could “guard” that. Only a risen Savior could guarantee that. For, “if only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (1 Corinthians 15:18–19, NIV 1984).

Are you “convinced” that “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15:20, NIV 1984). “On what are you basing [your] confidence?” His death? Certified by the Roman executioners. His place of burial? Sealed and watched over by the Roman guards. The empty tomb? Covered up by lies and bribery by the authorities because they could not produce a corpse. Eyewitnesses? “He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all He appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” (1 Corinthians 15:5–8, NIV 1984). Now, you are prepared.

My Advice – The question that remains is what you have “Entrusted to Him for that day?” Him keeping this promise. “I am going there to prepare a place for you…I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2–3, NIV 1984). Are you convinced of this? Are you confident? “You [should] know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” (Joshua 23:14, NIV 1984).

He will not fail to fulfill that one He died for. Base your confidence on that!