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Second Timothy contains the poignant testimony of the apostle Paul, who says his life is “being poured out like a drink offering” and the time of his death had come (2 Timothy 4:6). In verse 5 he says, “But you [Timothy], keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” There was no better man than Paul to give advice about endurance under suffering for the Lord Jesus. Paul had been imprisoned, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, hungry, cold, and destitute (2 Corinthians 11:23–28). In spite of all this and more, Paul managed to endure the suffering, finish the race, and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).
Hardships come in a variety of ways. Temptations, illnesses, lost jobs, broken relationships, and persecution for one’s faith are all forms of hardship. Christians should not be taken by surprise when hardships come: Jesus warned us, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). The good news is that Jesus followed up His warning with this word of encouragement: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We can endure by His grace.
To endure is more than just continuing to exist; it is continuing to exist in the same manner as before the suffering began. If Paul had lived through his sufferings but at some point had thrown up his hands in defeat, stopped being obedient to God, or no longer worked for the cause of Christ, he would not have “endured.” If he had responded to his sufferings with an attitude of bitterness, anger, or retaliation, then Paul could not have said that he “endured.”
Paul’s response to suffering was not to buckle under the weight of circumstance but to realize Christ has called His church to endure hardship (John 16:33; Luke 14:27). Paul said that he rejoiced because in his flesh he was filling up what was lacking in Christ’s afflictions (Colossians 1:24). Every time Paul was beaten, chained, or hungry, he identified more with Christ in his flesh. Paul could rejoice because suffering in his flesh for the sake of the church is a privilege of sharing in the sufferings of Christ (Philippians 3:10).
As Christians, we should turn to God with our suffering, and He will be faithful to help us undergo every trial and overcome every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). We can learn to have the same joy as Paul had during trials, knowing that suffering produces virtues such as endurance, godly character, and lively hope (Romans 5:3–5).
To “endure” does not mean simply to grin and bear it. Christians will feel sad, betrayed, or even angry at times. These emotions in and of themselves are not bad; they only become sin when we allow them to take root in our lives and produce bitterness, evil thoughts of revenge, or unforgiveness. Believers must remember that everything that comes into our lives is under the control of a sovereign God who has promised He is working all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Jesus is the ultimate example of someone who endured hardship (Hebrews 12:2). The author of Hebrews reminds believers of Christ’s perseverance at the hands of sinners. Jesus, in spite of great suffering, never turned back, even from the cross (Hebrews 12:2–4). Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before him.” Although Christ knew the suffering the cross would provide, His anticipated joy enabled Him to keep going; He knew what the rewards would be—the redemption of mankind and a seat at the right hand of God. In the same way, Christians can find hope to endure when we consider the rewards God has promised us. “Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, ‘In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.’ And, ‘But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.’ But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved” (Hebrews 10:35–39).
Tweede Timoteus bevat die aangrypende getuienis van die apostel Paulus, wat sê dat sy lewe “soos ‘n drankoffer uitgegiet word” en dat die tyd van sy dood aangebreek het (2 Timoteus 4:6). In vers 5 sê hy: “Maar jy [Timoteus], wees in alle omstandighede kopbewaak, verduur verdrukking, doen die werk van ‘n evangelis, voer al jou bediening uit.” Daar was geen beter man as Paulus om raad te gee oor volharding onder lyding vir die Here Jesus nie. Paulus was in die tronk, geslaan, gestenig, skipbreuk gely, honger, koud en behoeftig (2 Korintiërs 11:23–28). Ten spyte van dit alles en meer, het Paulus daarin geslaag om die lyding te verduur, die wedloop te voltooi en die geloof te behou (2 Timoteus 4:7).
Ongelukke kom op verskeie maniere. Versoekings, siektes, verlore werk, gebroke verhoudings en vervolging vir ‘n mens se geloof is alles vorme van ontbering. Christene moet nie verbaas wees wanneer ontberinge kom nie: Jesus het ons gewaarsku: “In hierdie wêreld sal julle dit moeilik hê” (Johannes 16:33). Die goeie nuus is dat Jesus Sy waarskuwing opgevolg het met hierdie woord van bemoediging: “Maar hou moed! Ek het die wêreld oorwin.” Ons kan deur Sy genade volhard.
Om te volhard is meer as net om aan te hou bestaan; dit is om aan te hou bestaan op dieselfde manier as voordat die lyding begin het. As Paulus deur sy lyding geleef het, maar op ‘n stadium sy hande in nederlaag in die lug gegooi het, opgehou het om aan God gehoorsaam te wees, of nie meer vir die saak van Christus gewerk het nie, sou hy nie “volhard” het nie. As hy op sy lyding gereageer het met ‘n houding van bitterheid, woede of vergelding, dan kon Paulus nie gesê het dat hy “volhard” het nie.
Paulus se reaksie op lyding was nie om onder die gewig van omstandighede te swig nie, maar om te besef dat Christus Sy kerk geroep het om ontbering te verduur (Johannes 16:33; Lukas 14:27). Paulus het gesê dat hy bly was omdat hy in sy vlees aanvul het wat in Christus se lyding ontbreek het (Kolossense 1:24). Elke keer as Paulus geslaan, geketting of honger was, het hy meer met Christus in sy vlees geïdentifiseer. Paulus kon bly wees omdat lyding in sy vlees ter wille van die kerk ‘n voorreg is om deel te hê aan die lyding van Christus (Filippense 3:10).
As Christene moet ons ons met ons lyding tot God wend, en Hy sal getrou wees om ons te help om elke beproewing te deurstaan en elke versoeking te oorkom (1 Korintiërs 10:13). Ons kan leer om dieselfde vreugde te hê as wat Paulus tydens beproewinge gehad het, wetende dat lyding deugde soos volharding, godvrugtige karakter en lewende hoop voortbring (Romeine 5:3–5).
Om te “volhard” beteken nie bloot om te glimlag en dit te verduur nie. Christene sal soms hartseer, verraai of selfs kwaad voel. Hierdie emosies op sigself is nie sleg nie; hulle word slegs sonde wanneer ons toelaat dat hulle in ons lewens wortel skiet en bitterheid, bose gedagtes van wraak of onvergewensgesindheid voortbring. Gelowiges moet onthou dat alles wat in ons lewens kom, onder die beheer van ‘n soewereine God is wat belowe het dat Hy alle dinge ten goede meewerk vir diegene wat Hom liefhet en volgens sy voorneme geroep is (Romeine 8:28).
Jesus is die beste voorbeeld van iemand wat ontbering verduur het (Hebreërs 12:2). Die outeur van Hebreërs herinner gelowiges aan Christus se volharding in die hande van sondaars. Jesus, ten spyte van groot lyding, het nooit teruggedraai nie, selfs nie van die kruis af nie (Hebreërs 12:2–4). Hebreërs 12:2 sê Jesus het die kruis verduur “vir die vreugde wat Hom voorgehou is.” Alhoewel Christus die lyding wat die kruis sou bied, geken het, het Sy verwagte vreugde Hom in staat gestel om aan te hou; Hy het geweet wat die belonings sou wees – die verlossing van die mensdom en ‘n sitplek aan die regterhand van God. Op dieselfde manier kan Christene hoop vind om te volhard wanneer ons die belonings oorweeg wat God ons belowe het. “Moenie julle vertroue prysgee nie, want dit sal ryklik beloon word. Julle moet volhard sodat julle, wanneer julle die wil van God gedoen het, sal ontvang wat Hy belowe het. Want: ‘Nog ‘n kort tydjie, en Hy wat kom, sal kom en nie talm nie.’ en: ‘Maar my regverdige sal uit die geloof lewe. En Ek het geen welgevalle in die een wat terugdeins nie.’ Maar ons behoort nie aan dié wat terugdeins en verlore gaan nie, maar aan dié wat uit die geloof kom en gered word” (Hebreërs 10:35–39).
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
[The Lord said] “Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!”
—Zechariah 11:17
While we do not like to hear bad news and may not appreciate the pronouncement of judgment on others, there is a time when it is appropriate. Jesus was not only our sacrificial lamb, but he is also our Chief Shepherd serving on earth as God with us (Matthew 1:23) as the Shepherd David wrote about in Psalm 23:1-6. When the earthly shepherds of the Lord’s sheep do not lead lovingly and faithfully, the Lord will demand harsh justice. Zechariah’s message is a strong reminder to all who lead that they must do so righteously and tenderly. God wants those whom ungodly leaders have abused to know that their Father in heaven will punish those ungodly leaders appropriately. God will bring righteous justice upon those who have abused their stewardship of God’s sheep and dishonored their pastoral calling. We can rest assured that our Shepherd will wipe away our tears even if our earthly shepherds do not (Revelation 7:15).
Prayer
For the Lord, is……my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely, goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 123:1-6 ESV). In Jesus’ name, we thank and praise you. Amen and Amen
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
[Die Here het gesê] “Wee die waardelose herder wat die kudde verlaat! Mag die swaard sy arm en sy regteroog tref! Mag sy arm heeltemal verdor, sy regteroog heeltemal verblind!”
—Sagaria 11:17
Alhoewel ons nie daarvan hou om slegte nuus te hoor nie en dalk nie die uitspraak van oordeel oor ander waardeer nie, is daar ‘n tyd wanneer dit gepas is. Jesus was nie net ons offerlam nie, maar Hy is ook ons Hoofherder wat op aarde as God met ons dien (Matteus 1:23) soos die Herder Dawid in Psalm 23:1-6 geskryf het. Wanneer die aardse herders van die Here se skape nie liefdevol en getrou lei nie, sal die Here streng geregtigheid eis. Sagaria se boodskap is ‘n sterk herinnering aan almal wat lei dat hulle dit regverdig en teer moet doen. God wil hê dat diegene wat deur goddelose leiers mishandel is, moet weet dat hulle Vader in die hemel daardie goddelose leiers gepas sal straf. God sal regverdige geregtigheid bring oor diegene wat hul rentmeesterskap van God se skape mishandel het en hul pastorale roeping oneer aangedoen het. Ons kan verseker wees dat ons Herder ons trane sal afvee, selfs al doen ons aardse herders dit nie (Openbaring 7:15).
Gebed
Want die Here is…my Herder, ek sal niks kortkom nie. Hy laat my lê in groen weivelde; Hy lei my na waters waar rus is. Hy verkwik my siel; Hy lei my in die spore van geregtigheid om sy Naam ontwil. Al gaan ek in ‘n dal van doodskaduwee, ek vrees geen onheil nie, want U is met my; u stok en u staf dié vertroos my. U berei ‘n tafel voor my voor teenoor my vyande; U het my hoof met olie gesalf; my beker loop oor. Waarlik, goedheid en liefde sal my volg al die dae van my lewe, en ek sal in die huis van die Here woon vir ewig (Psalm 123:1-6 AFR83). In Jesus se Naam dank en prys ons U. Amen en Amen
Bible Teaching of the Day
In Matthew 16:24, Jesus told His disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Let’s begin with what Jesus didn’t mean in this verse. Many people interpret the “cross” to be taken up as some burden they must carry in their lives: a strained relationship, a thankless job, a physical illness, etc. With self-pitying pride, they look at their difficulty and say, “That’s my cross I have to carry.” Such an idea is not what Jesus meant when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me.”
When a person carried a cross in Jesus’ day, no one thought of it as a persistent annoyance or symbolic burden. To a person in the first century, the cross meant one thing and one thing only: death by crucifixion. To carry a cross was to face the most painful and humiliating means of death human beings could develop.
Two thousand years later, Christians view the cross as a cherished symbol of atonement, forgiveness, grace, and love. But in Jesus’ day the cross represented a torturous death. The Romans forced convicted criminals to carry their own crosses to the place of crucifixion (see John 19:17). Bearing a cross meant one was about to die, and that one would face ridicule and disgrace along the way.
Therefore, Jesus’ command to “take up your cross and follow Me” is a call to self-abasement and self-sacrifice. One must be willing to die in order to follow Jesus. Dying to self is an absolute surrender to God.
After Jesus commanded cross-bearing, He said, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:25–26). Although the call to take up our cross is tough, the reward is matchless. Nothing in this world is worth passing up eternal life.
Wherever Jesus went, He drew crowds. Their view of who the Messiah really was—and what He would do—was often distorted. They thought the Christ would immediately usher in the restored kingdom (Luke 19:11). They believed He would free them from the oppressive rule of their Roman occupiers. Some hoped He would continue to provide free lunches for everyone (John 6:26). Jesus’ statement that following Him requires taking up a cross made people think twice about their motivations and level of commitment.
In Luke 9:57–62, three people seemed willing to follow Jesus. When Jesus pressed them, however, their commitment was shown to be half-hearted at best. They failed to count the cost of following Him. None were willing to take up their cross and crucify upon it their own interests.
Jesus’ apparent attempts to dissuade people from following Him surely limited the number of false converts and insincere disciples (see John 6:66). But God seeks “true worshipers [who] will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). Jesus’ call to “take up your cross and follow Me” serves to screen out the disingenuous, double-minded, and dissembling.
Are you ready to take up your cross and follow Jesus? Consider these questions:
– Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your closest friends?
– Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means alienation from your family?
– Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your reputation?
– Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your job?
– Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your life?
In some places of the world, these consequences are a reality. But notice the phrasing of the questions: “Are you willing?” Following Jesus doesn’t necessarily mean all these things will happen to you, but the disciple of Christ must be willing to suffer loss. Are you willing to take up your cross? If faced with a choice—Jesus or the comforts of this life—which will you choose?
Commitment to Christ means taking up your cross daily, giving up your hopes, dreams, possessions, and even your very life if need be for the cause of Christ. Only if you willingly take up your cross may you be called His disciple (Luke 14:27). The reward is worth the price. Remember that, as Jesus called His disciples to “take up your cross and follow Me,” He, too, bore a cross. Our Lord led the way.
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
In Matteus 16:24 het Jesus vir Sy dissipels gesê: “Elkeen wat my dissipel wil wees, moet homself verloën en sy kruis opneem en My volg.” Kom ons begin met wat Jesus nie in hierdie vers bedoel het nie. Baie mense interpreteer die “kruis” as iets wat hulle in hul lewens moet dra: ’n gespanne verhouding, ’n ondankbare werk, ’n fisiese siekte, ens. Met selfbejammerende trots kyk hulle na hul moeilikheid en sê: “Dit is my kruis wat ek moet dra.” So ’n idee is nie wat Jesus bedoel het toe Hy gesê het: “Neem jou kruis op en volg My nie.”
Toe iemand in Jesus se tyd ’n kruis gedra het, het niemand daaraan gedink as ’n aanhoudende ergernis of simboliese las nie. Vir ’n persoon in die eerste eeu het die kruis een ding en slegs een ding beteken: die dood deur kruisiging. Om ’n kruis te dra, was om die pynlikste en vernederende manier van dood wat mense kon ontwikkel, in die gesig te staar.
Tweeduisend jaar later beskou Christene die kruis as ’n gekoesterde simbool van versoening, vergifnis, genade en liefde. Maar in Jesus se tyd het die kruis ‘n folterende dood verteenwoordig. Die Romeine het veroordeelde misdadigers gedwing om hul eie kruise na die plek van kruisiging te dra (sien Johannes 19:17). Om ‘n kruis te dra, het beteken dat ‘n mens op die punt gestaan het om te sterf, en dat ‘n mens langs die pad bespotting en skande sou in die gesig staar.
Daarom is Jesus se bevel om “jou kruis op te neem en My te volg” ‘n oproep tot selfvernedering en selfopoffering. ‘n Mens moet bereid wees om te sterf om Jesus te volg. Om aan jouself te sterf, is ‘n absolute oorgawe aan God.
Nadat Jesus kruisdra beveel het, het Hy gesê: “Want wie sy lewe wil red, sal dit verloor; maar wie sy lewe vir My verloor, sal dit vind. Wat baat dit ‘n mens as hy die hele wêreld win, maar sy siel verloor? Of wat kan ‘n mens gee in ruil vir sy siel?” (Matteus 16:25–26). Alhoewel die oproep om ons kruis op te neem moeilik is, is die beloning ongeëwenaard. Niks in hierdie wêreld is die moeite werd om die ewige lewe te laat vaar nie.
Waar Jesus ook al gegaan het, het Hy skares getrek. Hul siening van wie die Messias werklik was – en wat Hy sou doen – was dikwels verwronge. Hulle het gedink dat Christus onmiddellik die herstelde koninkryk sou inlui (Lukas 19:11). Hulle het geglo dat Hy hulle sou bevry van die onderdrukkende heerskappy van hul Romeinse besetters. Sommige het gehoop dat Hy sou voortgaan om gratis middagetes vir almal te verskaf (Johannes 6:26). Jesus se stelling dat om Hom te volg vereis dat ‘n mens ‘n kruis opneem, het mense twee keer laat dink oor hul motiverings en vlak van toewyding.
In Lukas 9:57–62 het drie mense gewillig gelyk om Jesus te volg. Toe Jesus hulle egter aangespoor het, was hul toewyding egter op sy beste halfhartig. Hulle het nie die koste van Hom volg bereken nie. Niemand was bereid om hul kruis op te neem en hul eie belange daarop te kruisig nie.
Jesus se oënskynlike pogings om mense te ontmoedig om Hom te volg, het sekerlik die aantal valse bekeerlinge en onopregte dissipels beperk (sien Johannes 6:66). Maar God soek “ware aanbidders [wat] die Vader in die Gees en in waarheid sal aanbid” (Johannes 4:23). Jesus se oproep om “jou kruis op te neem en My te volg” dien om die oneerlike, dubbelsinnige en veinsende uit te skerm.
Is jy gereed om jou kruis op te neem en Jesus te volg? Oorweeg hierdie vrae:
– Is jy bereid om Jesus te volg as dit beteken dat jy jou naaste vriende verloor?
– Is jy bereid om Jesus te volg as dit vervreemding van jou familie beteken?
– Is jy bereid om Jesus te volg as dit beteken dat jy jou reputasie verloor?
– Is jy bereid om Jesus te volg as dit beteken dat jy jou werk verloor?
– Is jy bereid om Jesus te volg as dit beteken dat jy jou lewe verloor?
In sommige plekke in die wêreld is hierdie gevolge ‘n werklikheid. Maar let op die bewoording van die vrae: “Is jy gewillig?” Om Jesus te volg beteken nie noodwendig dat al hierdie dinge met jou sal gebeur nie, maar die dissipel van Christus moet bereid wees om verlies te ly. Is jy bereid om jou kruis op te neem? As jy voor ‘n keuse te staan kom – Jesus of die geriewe van hierdie lewe – wat sal jy kies?
Toewyding aan Christus beteken om daagliks jou kruis op te neem, jou hoop, drome, besittings en selfs jou lewe prys te gee indien nodig vir die saak van Christus. Slegs as jy gewillig jou kruis opneem, kan jy Sy dissipel genoem word (Lukas 14:27). Die beloning is die prys werd. Onthou dat, soos Jesus Sy dissipels geroep het om “jou kruis op te neem en My te volg”, Hy ook ‘n kruis gedra het. Ons Here het die weg gelei.
Today’s Devotional
Rest in the Lord is a frequently used expression in the Bible. When the psalmist says, “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7, NKJV), he’s not talking about physical rest that involves taking a break from activity, relaxing, napping, or stopping to gather strength to continue or complete some physical undertaking. Rest in the Lord refers to a spiritual rest from confusion, worry, stress, useless human effort, and a break from all internal, external, mortal, and spiritual enemies.
The Hebrew word translated as “rest” means “to be at peace,” “to be still,” “to be quiet or calm.” In place of “rest in the Lord,” some Bible translations say, “Be still before the Lord” (ESV and NIV), “Be silent before the Lord” (CSB), “Surrender yourself to the Lord” (GW), and “Be still in the presence of the Lord” (NLT). These versions convey the essential idea that to rest and be at peace, one must dwell in the presence of the Lord, surrendered to His lordship.
In the Old Testament, God promised the people of Israel a life of peace in the Promised Land and rest in His presence (Exodus 33:14; Joshua 1:13–15). But this restful, peaceful living depended on the Israelites remaining faithful and obedient to God alone by keeping their covenant with Him. To those whose hearts strayed from Him, God said they would never enjoy His rest (Psalm 95:7–11).
Eventually, because of widespread disobedience and unfaithfulness, the nation of Israel was taken into captivity in Babylon. After returning from exile, once again, the promise of rest in the Lord’s presence was presented: “So do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel . . . For I will bring you home again from distant lands, and your children will return from their exile. Israel will return to a life of peace and quiet, and no one will terrorize them” (Jeremiah 30:10, NLT). But, again, the people failed to learn that resting in the Lord meant surrendering wholly to the Lord in righteous living: “The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever” (Isaiah 32:17).
In the New Testament, the book of Hebrews declares the good news that those who believe in Jesus Christ can enter His rest: “God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God. For only we who believe can enter his rest” (Hebrews 4:1–3, NLT).
As believers, we are not granted immunity from life’s storms, but we have a choice about how we react to those storms. Our natural tendency might be to run around frantically looking for help, trying to save ourselves from trouble. We can either respond frenetically or rest in the Lord’s presence. We can either waste our time worrying or trust in the Lord to take care of us. Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28–30, NLT).
The writer of Hebrews also tells us that there is a future, final rest for believers in heaven (Hebrews 4:9–11). In the meantime, we can rest in the Lord by taking everything—all our burdens, problems, and anxieties—to Him in prayer. We can tell God what we need even as we remember and thank Him for all that He has done for us already. As we do this—as we abide in Jesus Christ and God’s presence—He promises to pour into us a supernatural, incomprehensible peace to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6–7).
Right here and now, we can quiet ourselves, be still, and surrender ourselves to the Lord. We can see Him as Isaiah did, high and lifted up (Isaiah 6:1). He is Sovereign over the whole earth, over our lives, and over every enemy, both internal and external, human and spiritual (Isaiah 46:9–11). We can peacefully wait for Him. We can be steadfast, longing, and always looking to Him for help. This is how we rest in the Lord.
Vandag se Bemoediging
Rus in die Here is ‘n gereeld gebruikte uitdrukking in die Bybel. Wanneer die psalmis sê: “Rus in die HERE en wag geduldig op Hom” (Psalm 37:7), praat hy nie van fisiese rus wat behels om ‘n blaaskans van aktiwiteit te neem, te ontspan, te slaap of te stop om krag te versamel om voort te gaan met of ‘n fisiese onderneming te voltooi nie. Rus in die Here verwys na ‘n geestelike rus van verwarring, bekommernis, stres, nuttelose menslike pogings, en ‘n blaaskans van alle interne, eksterne, sterflike en geestelike vyande.
Die Hebreeuse woord wat as “rus” vertaal word, beteken “om in vrede te wees”, “om stil te wees”, “om stil of kalm te wees”. In plaas van “rus in die Here” sê sommige Bybelvertalings: “Wees stil voor die Here” (ESV en NIV), “Wees stil voor die Here” (CSB), “Oorgee jouself aan die Here” (GW), en “Wees stil in die teenwoordigheid van die Here” (NLT). Hierdie weergawes dra die essensiële idee oor dat om te rus en in vrede te wees, ‘n mens in die teenwoordigheid van die Here moet woon, oorgegee aan Sy heerskappy.
In die Ou Testament het God die volk van Israel ‘n lewe van vrede in die Beloofde Land en rus in Sy teenwoordigheid belowe (Eksodus 33:14; Josua 1:13–15). Maar hierdie rustige, vreedsame lewe het afgehang van die Israeliete wat getrou en gehoorsaam aan God alleen gebly het deur hul verbond met Hom na te kom. Vir diegene wie se harte van Hom afgedwaal het, het God gesê dat hulle nooit Sy rus sou geniet nie (Psalm 95:7–11).
Uiteindelik, as gevolg van wydverspreide ongehoorsaamheid en ontrouheid, is die volk van Israel in ballingskap na Babilon weggevoer. Na hul terugkeer uit ballingskap, is die belofte van rus in die Here se teenwoordigheid weereens aangebied: “Moenie bang wees nie, Jakob, my dienaar; moenie verskrik wees nie, Israel… Want Ek sal jou terugbring uit verre lande, en jou kinders sal uit hul ballingskap terugkeer. Israel sal terugkeer na ‘n lewe van vrede en stilte, en niemand sal hulle terroriseer nie” (Jeremia 30:10, NLT). Maar weereens het die mense nie geleer dat rus in die Here beteken het om hulle geheel en al aan die Here oor te gee in ‘n regverdige lewe nie: “Die vrug van die geregtigheid sal vrede wees, en die uitwerking daarvan sal stilte en vertroue tot in ewigheid wees” (Jesaja 32:17).
In die Nuwe Testament verklaar die boek Hebreërs die goeie nuus dat diegene wat in Jesus Christus glo, Sy rus kan ingaan: “Die belofte dat God in sy rus ingaan, staan nog steeds vas. Daarom moet ons bewe van vrees, want sommige van julle sal dit dalk nie ervaar nie. Want hierdie goeie nuus – dat God hierdie rus voorberei het – is aan ons verkondig net soos dit aan hulle was. Maar dit het hulle niks gebaat nie, omdat hulle nie die geloof gedeel het van diegene wat na God geluister het nie. Want net ons wat glo, kan in sy rus ingaan” (Hebreërs 4:1–3).
As gelowiges word ons nie immuniteit teen die storms van die lewe gegun nie, maar ons het ‘n keuse oor hoe ons op daardie storms reageer. Ons natuurlike neiging is dalk om paniekerig rond te hardloop op soek na hulp en onsself van moeilikheid te probeer red. Ons kan óf freneties reageer óf in die Here se teenwoordigheid rus. Ons kan óf ons tyd mors deur bekommerd te wees óf op die Here vertrou om vir ons te sorg. Jesus het gesê: “Kom na My toe, almal wat vermoeid is en swaar laste dra, en Ek sal julle rus gee. Neem my juk op julle. Laat My julle leer, want Ek is nederig en sagmoedig van hart, en julle sal rus vind vir julle siele. Want my juk is sag om te dra, en die las wat Ek op julle lê, is lig” (Matteus 11:28–30).
Die skrywer van Hebreërs vertel ons ook dat daar ‘n toekomstige, finale rus vir gelowiges in die hemel is (Hebreërs 4:9–11). Intussen kan ons in die Here rus deur alles – al ons laste, probleme en bekommernisse – na Hom te neem in gebed. Ons kan vir God sê wat ons nodig het, selfs terwyl ons Hom onthou en dank vir alles wat Hy reeds vir ons gedoen het. Terwyl ons dit doen – terwyl ons in Jesus Christus en God se teenwoordigheid bly – belowe Hy om ‘n bonatuurlike, onbegryplike vrede in ons uit te stort om ons harte en gedagtes te bewaak (Filippense 4:6–7).
Hier en nou kan ons onsself stilmaak, stil wees en onsself aan die Here oorgee. Ons kan Hom sien soos Jesaja gesien het, hoog en verhewe (Jesaja 6:1). Hy is Soewerein oor die hele aarde, oor ons lewens en oor elke vyand, beide intern en ekstern, menslik en geestelik (Jesaja 46:9–11). Ons kan vreedsaam op Hom wag. Ons kan standvastig wees, verlang en altyd na Hom kyk vir hulp. Só rus ons in die Here.
The Collectors of Manna – Women of the Word // Gaarders van Manna – Vroue van die woord
Dilize Light has Managed a TruLight Ladies Group on Telegram for the Past 6 Years and from Today . she will be Sharing her Manna with the Ladies in The TruLight Daily Manna Platform . Dilize is the only Daughter of Pastor Dirk and has been part of the Ministry since the age of 11 . Dilize is also the Radio Host for the Popular TruLight Top 10 that airs on TruLight Radio XM saturdays at 17h00′
Dilize Light bestuur die afgelope 6 jaar ‘n TruLight Damesgroep op Telegram en van vandag af sal sy haar Manna met die Dames deel op die TruLight Daaglikse Manna-platform. Dilize is die enigste dogter van Pastoor Dirk en is deel van die bediening sedert die ouderdom van 11. Dilize is ook die radio-aanbieder vir die gewilde TruLight Top 10 wat Saterdae om 17:00 op TruLight Radio XM uitgesaai word.
Draai Nuuskierigheid Na Die Woord:
Het jy al ooit mense by ‘n toeriste-aantreklikheid dopgehou ? Besoekers span hul nekke om ‘n beter uitsig te kry. Sommige noem dit rubbernecking in engels, wat beteken om met nuuskierigheid waar te neem. Die Bybel vertel ons dat sulke fassinasie ook in die Hemelse plekke plaasvind. Die apostel Petrus trek die gordyn van die Hemel terug om ons engele te laat sien wat na God se verlossingsplan staar – dinge waarin engele begeer om te kyk (1 Petrus 1:12). Die Griekse woord wat vertaal word as “kyk na” beteken om vooroor te buk en versigtig met nuuskierigheid te kyk. Maar waarom is engele so gefassineer deur die mens se verlossing ? Die mees waarskynlike verduideliking is dat hulle sonde is (Efesiërs 3:8-12). Die kruis was die middel waardeur God Sy seun as die regverdige plaasvervanger voorsien het om die straf vir sonde te betaal terwyl Hy Sy Heilige standaard handhaaf (ROMEINE 3:19-31). God voorsien nou verlossing aan enige mens wat tot bekering sal kom, sal glo en dit sal ontvang. Is jy dankbaar vir jou verlossing ? Die engele is ! Hulle is bly elke keer as ‘n sondaar berou het en sy geloof in Christus plaas (Lukas 15:10).
Die Kruis van Christus is die brug tussen God en die mens.
Turn Curiosity to the Word:
Have you ever watched people at a tourist attraction? Visitors crane their necks to get a better view. Some call it rubbernecking, which means to observe with curiosity. The Bible tells us that such fascination also occurs in heavenly places. The apostle Peter draws back the curtain of Heaven to show us angels gazing at God’s plan of salvation—things that angels desire to look into (1 Peter 1:12). The Greek word translated “look into” means to bend over and carefully look with curiosity. But why are angels so fascinated by man’s salvation? The most likely explanation is that they are sin (Ephesians 3:8-12). The cross was the means by which God provided His Son as the righteous substitute to pay the penalty for sin while maintaining His holy standard (ROMANS 3:19-31). God now provides salvation to any man who will repent, believe, and receive it. Are you grateful for your salvation? The angels are! They rejoice every time a sinner repents and places his faith in Christ (Luke 15:10).
The Cross of Christ is the bridge between God and man.
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – Celebrating 30 Years of Greater Vision: A Special NQC Tribute
Today’s guest artist on National Quartet Convention, Greater Vision – Since December of 1990, Greater Vision has inspired audiences around the world with their rich vocal blend and their effective ability to communicate the message of the gospel. They have established a firm place at the pinnacle of Christian music, becoming the most awarded trio in the history of Gospel music.
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01.15 Science Scripture and Salvation
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5:55 It is Today devotional
6:00 Gaither Homecoming Morning Show
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9:00 Holy Spirit Hour – Normally Sermons
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12:15 Truth for Life
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18:15 Renewing your Mind
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23.00 Good Old Country Gospel / Rhema Gospel Express
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BIBLE PROPHECY IN THE NEWS
The Eagle Wings are Pushing Peace between the King of the South and the Women with the 12 Stars around her Head = Daniel 11 and Rev 12
The Article in the News
Trump Presses Riyadh to Normalize Ties With Israel
U.S. President Donald Trump told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that he expects the kingdom to normalize ties with Jerusalem now that Washington brokered a ceasefire in Gaza, Axios reported on Thursday.
The conversation took place over the phone last month, following the Gaza peace summit that was held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on Oct. 13, two U.S. officials were cited as saying under condition of anonymity.
Prince Mohammed is scheduled to meet with Trump in the White House on Tuesday, and the normalization issue is expected to be raised in the talks.
Trump is also expected to pledge a defense pact with the Saudis, although not for a full-fledged treaty, the report continued.
“Our message to the Saudis is: ‘We did all the things you asked for. Now, there are things President Trump wants, like normalization with Israel. So how are you guys going to move now in this direction?’” Axios quoted a senior U.S. official as saying.
However, the issue of a Palestinian state remains a large obstacle to formal relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The Saudis are reportedly demanding an “irreversible path” toward statehood that would be part of a normalization deal, which the government in Jerusalem strongly opposes.
According to the report, the Trump administration views the Gaza ceasefire and potential Palestinian Authority reforms as creating conditions for “a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.”
Trump’s advisers are urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “look at the bigger picture” of a peace deal with Riyadh, attainable by going through with Trump’s peace plan.
On Saturday evening, Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar tweeted in Hebrew that normalization with Saudi is “Israel’s top national interest and will change the future of the Middle East for generations to come.”
He added that a deal must uphold “the principles vital to Israel without recognizing a Palestinian state that would endanger our security.
“Israel as a security superpower operating together with the Gulf powers—that is the great nightmare of Israel’s enemies,” Zohar wrote.
Earlier this month, the Israel Hayom newspaper reported that Israel and Saudi Arabia were expected to begin direct negotiations to lay the groundwork for establishing normalization, with mediation and support from the United States.
The talks were to involve Trump adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and a small Israeli team, Saudi Ambassador to Washington Reema bint Bandar Al Saud and Prince Mohammed’s close advisers.
Dermer resigned from his position as minister on Nov. 11, effective Nov. 13, but he will remain involved in efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, and he will operate as a special envoy for Netanyahu.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Israel fears losing air force edge after Saudi F-35 sale
Israel could lose its qualitative edge as having the most advanced air force technology in the Middle East if the Trump administration proceeds with a proposed sale of dozens of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
“If Saudi Arabia indeed joins the select club that holds the American stealth fighter, the implication is not just another advanced jet in the region; it is a change in the basis of the balance of power,” wrote Aharon Lapidot, an Israeli Air Force analyst and expert, in the Hebrew-language outlet Israel Hayom.
Lapidot emphasized that Israel is concerned “not because Saudi Arabia is an enemy state,” noting that the Gulf kingdom is “seen as a potential strategic partner.”
Still, Jerusalem believes that “the qualitative advantage is a resource that must be maintained over time, especially in a region where the balance of alliances can change in a few years, if not months.”
Last Friday, President Donald Trump said his upcoming meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman would focus on Riyadh normalizing relations with Israel and the jet sale.
Numerous media reports have indicated that Jerusalem is pressuring Washington to condition the sale on Saudi Arabia’s formal recognition of the Jewish state.
“I hope that Saudi Arabia will be going into the Abraham Accords fairly shortly,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Speaking to Axios, an Israeli official said, “Unlike the supply of F-35s to Turkey that we strongly oppose, we are less concerned about such weapons systems in Saudi Arabia if it’s part of a regional security cooperation as part of the Abraham Accords, like we have with the United Arab Emirates.”
Concerns, however, extend beyond Israel. Earlier in November, The New York Times reported that some Pentagon officials were worried about the deal due to Saudi Arabia’s close ties with China.
Those officials fear that if the sale moves forward, China could obtain critical technology from the F-35s sold to the Gulf kingdom.
TruLight Ministry News
TruLight Ministries orders from God since 2012 . Teach Them , Comfort Them and Warn Them!
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TruLight Ministries opdrag vanaf God sedert 2012. Leer hulle, Troos hulle en Waarsku hulle!
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