Issue 695 – Islands – March 26, 2022

I love this reader-submitted shot of a seasonal island in a mountain lake. Most of the year, it is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of swampy land. You can see it here, just enough underwater for the island to be temporarily separated from the rest of the landmass.

At times in life, we can feel like islands. God seems a million miles away, and the world’s problems surround us.

Take heart in those situations, my friend. As believers, we are never disconnected from God. There may be some temporary distancing from our end, but He will never let us go.

Jesus sees to that. In John 17, Jesus speaks to the Father, interceding on behalf of all believers.

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. John 17:14-19

We are held fast by the entirety of the triune Godhead. Jesus, God incarnate, who died on our behalf, intercedes for His own in prayer. Holy Spirit seals and indwells all believers. The Father holds us fast.

Jesus declares His protection on us.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30

It is no wonder that the apostle Paul can confidently write.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Romans 8:31-39

The truth of God’s hand upon us trumps our feelings every time. God has declared that we are His and nothing can keep us apart. All true believers are secure in the arms of the Lord.

Hold fast, my friends. In those island moments, nothing can separate you from the one who redeemed you.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed. 

Kevin.

Gleanings From The Word.

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required. 

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