APRIL 18 – SURELY!

“For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18).

“For surely there is a hereafter,” says the Lord. He is not just saying that there is an end, but He adds the word ‘surely’ to it. Even if He had not added that word ‘surely’, what He says will happen. Heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will by no means pass away. Only to make His Word doubly firm, He comforts and says “For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not get cut off.” In this instance, the words “For surely there is a hereafter” mean to say ‘surely there is a benefit, surely there is going to be a shift towards good and your hope will get fulfilled.’

Abraham strongly believed that God would give him blessed descendants. But time was running out. But, Abraham did not have any doubt about that. The Scripture says, “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform” (Romans 4:20, 21).

God saw that faith. The patience and prayer of Abraham had a dividend. His faith did not fail. God gave him a blessed son saying, “…Sarah, your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac” (Genesis 17:19). The descendants of Abraham multiplied like stars of the sky through Isaac.

Your descendants will surely be known as the descendants of God. Generation after generation, you will be praising God. The Most High will multiply your family. Because, is not the fruit of the womb a reward of God? (Psalm 127:4).

In Isaiah 36:15, is another Scripture portion wherein God uses the word ‘surely.’ There it has been written: “The Lord will surely deliver us.” King Hezekiah had faith in God and see how he reassured the frightened people of Israel over the invasion of the Assyrians.

The Assyrian soldiers were great in number, but the children of Israel were less comparatively. The bow, spear and the shield did not protect them. Surely, God alone saved them. Dear children of God, do the evil people rise against you? God will help you to escape them.

To meditate: …how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him” (Mathew 7:11).