Matthew 14:1-12 — as John the Baptist, let’s true to God and faithful unto death
Of the billions of people in the roster of all human history, all have been called by God. But of all those called ones, only few have been chosen to number among the redeemed. Do you belong to both groups, or just to one? Praise God, I belong to both and I hope you do also! However, I want me and you to belong to an even more exclusive group yet: the faithful. I want us to be among the fewer who are “called, and chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14). (Source: Ready for Our Lord’s Return) Let us purpose to be faithful unto death!
Practical questions from the passage
How well do I live by the value system I profess?
How far out will I stick my neck for truth? Right out onto the chopping block?
Was John the Baptist’s faithfulness misplaced?
Did he give his head and his life for an issue not at all worthy of such a sacrifice?
Which matters more: my faithfulness or the object of my faithfulness?
How were John, Herod, and the daughter of Herodias each faithful?
The definition of faithfulness so we can be faithful unto death
I’m sure “living for God” would suffice as a working definition. In addition to that, though, consider these verse fragments (along with their contexts) and listen to what God would say to you:
- “Faithful…keepeth covenant” (Deuteronomy 7:9).
- “Faithful…shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind” (1 Samuel 2:35).
- “Faithful…refresheth the soul of his masters” (Proverbs 25:13).
- “Faithful…whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Matthew 24:45,46).
God requires of His stewards that they be found faithful. Therefore, faithfulness must be one of the goals and driving forces in my life.
The measure of faithfulness
Setting the standard for faithfulness falls within the sole providence of God Himself and alone. As the unchallenged definer and rewarder of faithfulness, only God can establish the standard. And praise Him, He has graciously and mercifully made that measure known to us!
In the Scriptures we not only find the revelation of God Himself, we find the revelation of the standard of faithfulness. Ultimately, there is no difference between these two revelations, for the very essence of faithfulness is godliness.
The reward for faithfulness for being faithful unto death
If it were up to me, I would say something “noble” like, “Faithfulness is its own reward. To have known God is reward sufficient. I need no further reward and prize than these.” But the reward isn’t up to me, and the Rewarder has said: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21). So, my friend, let us be faithful unto death; a crown awaits us (Revelation 2:10)!
Read the full piece: Ready for Our Lord’s Return
What Are My Answers? and will they help me be faithful unto death?
If God sent me to confront someone about sin, what would stop me?
Am I still faithful to my various vows and solemn promises?
Should I try to free myself from any rash promises I may have made?
Where does Jesus fit in my sorrow, turmoil, distress, and/or confusion?
