Absolutely Dependable

1 Thess. 5: 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it

Jim Jones, founder and pastor of the People’s Temple was an American religious leader who was popular in the States over forty years ago. At a time when black people were being oppressed in America, he was one white man who stood up for them and defended their rights. He and his wife adopted several children including Koreans and Blacks. His church was very popular and was growing fast because he promised to help create a better life for coloured people. When he moved to Guyana in the late 70’s and started a community called Jonestown, many people followed him, believing in his promise. But in November 1978, Jones and 909 of his followers committed suicide together. 303 of them were children.

We haven’t heard of anything like this in recent times, but still there are thousands, perhaps millions of people around the world who are disappointed, frustrated and hopeless, because they believed in persons who promised them better and the promises were not kept. Some of these promise-makers were politicians and community leaders who gained power with the help of the people, but when the time came were not able to help the people. Others were religious leaders, promising spiritual fulfilment and salvation, but who turned out to be either tricksters and ginnals, or to be just weak and powerless. Yet every day other folks are following new leaders and being disappointed, not learning their lessons.

Today’s text tells of Someone we can safely follow. His name is Jesus. We can follow Jesus, because He is faithful. He keeps His promises and lives up to expectations. No true follower of Christ is ever disappointed. He understands all our problems and knows exactly what we need. He is loving and sincere and wants the best for all of us. But He doesn’t just want it, He is able to give the best because He is all-powerful. There is nothing He cannot do. So choose to follow Him today and trust Him without fear, because He is faithful and He will do it.

Dear Lord, thank you that you have proven over and over that you are faithful and true. Today I choose to believe your promises and trust you with my life, because you are faithful, in Jesus’ name, amen.