Alive for Good Works
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 2:6-10
“I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.”
The Son of God, with blazing eyes and feet like burnished bronze, knows the deeds, love, and faith of the Thyatira church. They were living as God’s handiwork, doing good work that God had prepared in advance for them to do (see Ephesians 2:10). They had been saved by God’s grace to bring grace to a dying world.
The church of the living God is honored to continue to live in Jesus, in this world, by doing good works that share the love of God with others.
The deeds of the Thyatira church shone like stars in the darkness. They loved God above all, and they practiced love for one another. They cared, they encouraged, they supported, they shared. They believed what was true, and they stood strong in their faith in Christ. When misleading words were spoken, they resisted the temptation to be led astray and wander from the light of Jesus into darkness.
They were faithful and loving in their service to others in Jesus’ name, and they persevered. They did not back down. Empowered by the Spirit of God, they stood firm on their foundation of faith in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Persevering service is meant to be a hallmark of the church. What works of love and faith can Jesus highlight in your life and in your church?
Thank you, Lord, for preparing us to serve you and others. We would not choose that on our own, but, by your Spirit, we can persevere. To you be all glory! Amen.
About the author — Evan Heerema
Evan Heerema is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington state and in Michigan. He was also on the teaching staff at Kuyper College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for ten years. He and his wife are the parents of two daughters and the grandparents of two grandsons.
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