He Who Well Endureth

By your endurance you will gain your lives. Luke 21:19

There is a distinct theme running through the New Testament that is referenced in this verse: endurance. Paul encourages us to run the race that has been set before us and the book of Hebrews is full of this theme, including exhorting us to endure as our Redeemer did - He endured the cross and the shame, as well as enduring hostility from sinners. The writer of Hebrews also concurs with this hymn: at the end of the endurance, there will be a reward.

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. Hebrews 10:36

The reward for our endurance is our eternal life with Christ, as Paul reminds Timothy.

It is a trustworthy statement: for if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him.
II Timothy 2:11-12

In this time of advent, I find myself praying even more earnestly: Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Come and release us from our sin and this sinful world.

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood--and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father--to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:4-6

Dear Father,
While we are on this earth, we will confess Your name and give You the praise and glory for You are worthy. We look forward to blessing Your name when we are together with You in heaven. Until that time, guide and direct us for Your glory and give us the strength and grace to endure as we run this race.

In Your Name,
Amen.

Once He Came in Blessing
Words by Johann Roh

Once He came in blessing,
All our ills redressing,
Came in likeness lowly,
Son of God most holy;
Bore the cross to save us,
Hope and freedom gave us.

Still He comes within us,
Still His voice would win us
From the sins that hurt us;
Would to truth convert us
From our foolish errors,
Ere He comes in terrors.

Thus if Thou hast known Him,
Not ashamed to own Him,
Nor dost love Him coldly,
But will trust Him boldly,
He will now receive thee,
Heal thee, and forgive thee.

He who well endureth,
Bright reward secureth;
Come, then, O Lord Jesus,
From our sins release us;
Let us here confess Thee,
Till in Heav’n we bless Thee.