Jesus is watching
Heb.13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Heb.13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (K JV )
I want to reread that in a different translation of God's Word, the NASB
Heb.13:5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,"
Heb.13:6 so that we confidently say,
"The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.
What will man do to me?" ( NASB )
The footsteps poem show God's concern and companionship in our daily life. The Christian is never alone.
In the early days of WW2 the Japanese were overrunning the Philippines and Gen. Douglas MacArthur had to flee. Had he remain he would have been a trophy for the enemy and discouragement for the ones left behind. He left with the message "I shall return".
In August 1943 Colonel Courtney Whitney, an army intelligence officer on General Douglas MacArthur's staff, suggested that propaganda items with the General's famous "I Shall Return" pledge be distributed to the native population in the Japanese occupied Philippine Islands.
Cigarites and matchbooks were smuggled into the country to encourage the people to keep watching and waiting for their deliverance.
The hope of the return of General MacArthur gave hope and encouragement to hold on for the sake of the country and their families.
Throughout the history of The Church there has been attacks and discouragements. Like the people in the Philippines, we have a promise, "Jesus shall return".
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Jesus will return one day. For some it will be a day of rejoicing others a day of great sorrow. A day of Blessing or a day of Curse.
Until that day if we live for Jesus we will have problems in this world.
Paul in his letter to Timothy said 2 Tim.3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
In the early Church 7 men were chosen to be Deacons, among who was a man called Stephen, a Godly man bold in Spirit. Jesus said if they persecuted me they will persecute you ( John 15:20 )
In Acts 6 and 7 Stephen gave the Jews a history lesson and revealed to them what they had done to Jesus, He was and is our and their only hope.
Acts 7: 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
Acts 7: 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Acts 7: 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Acts 7: 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
Acts 7: 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
Acts 7: 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Acts 7: 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
What did Stephen see?
The Glory of God was opened to him
Jesus is alive:
We serve a risen Saviour ( I see Jesus )
Jesus watching
He sees our heart aches, He knows burdens
Jesus waiting
His timing is always perfect
Jesus Standing
He was Standing to greet His servant
I believe Jesus is waiting for His Children