Enjoy Life, Enjoy God

HOLD ON

November 16, 2009

The soul duo, Sam & Dave, crooned, "Hold on, I'm comin'..." Maybe from a slightly different note, it's a song for Christ-followers as well.

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
- Revelation 3:10 TNIV

We are immersed in the culture of immediate gratification. We want it now! Yet a central thrust of discipleship is waiting, perseverance. That means there is a huge contrast between our nature, what we're used to, and what it looks like to follow Christ. When the angel speaks to the church in Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13), repeatedly the message is: "You have kept my word" (8), "You have kept my command" (10), and "Hold on to what you have..."(11). These are images of perseverance, steadfastness, and waiting in faith.

"Hold on"--Discipleship is not an instant concept, but one of perseverance. If we are to have our minds transformed by the Spirit's renewing, we need to re-think of the dangers of wanting everything now, AND, the necessity of holding on... That's what the angel tells the church in Philadelphia and you and me.
Joyfully,

Dale Patterson