July 15

Solitaire

When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:8).

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Song: “O, for a Faith That Will Not Shrink”

Like a brilliant solitaire set in a band of pure gold, faith emerges as the precious gem that Christ longs to find in the church when He returns. Just as a diamond has different facets, faith also has several components, each demonstrating a valuable role of this carefully created and measured spiritual gift.

I vividly remember that day in 1958 when I watched for my fiancé’s arrival. I knew he would come, because he loved me and had vowed he’d return to take me as his wife. Faith is watching for the One who loves us most, the One who always keeps His promises.

Puritan minister William Gurnall penned his perception of faith along with the personification of love and hope. According to him, love finds a quiet place to take in Christ’s written devotion while hope moves to the window and waits for signs of her bridegroom’s arrival. But faith opens the door as evidence of her deepest, most imminent expectation.

In Hebrew culture, Jewish brides made themselves ready for marriage and then rested by an open window, listening for that midnight cry: “The bridegroom cometh!”

Faith is the power that motivates believers to prepare their lives in holiness for their coming King.

Holy Father, Jesus is altogether worthy of my honor. May I know Him, love Him, and make myself ready for His return. Lord, thank You that all of this may be done through Your empowering grace within me. In Jesus’ name, amen.