Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
— 2 Peter 1:1
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
— Isaiah 53:3
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
— 2 Corinthians 4:8-11
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
— 1 Peter 4:16
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
— Romans 8:18
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
— Matthew 25:34
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
— Psalm 36:8
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
— Isaiah 9:7
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
— 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18
The Saints’ Encouragement to Diligence in Christ’s Service, by James Janeway (1636-1674). The following contains excepts from his work.
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
— 2 Peter 1:11
The powerful role of God’s sacred word. It shines a comforting light, sparking conviction and guidance for all of us, who have committed themselves to serve Christ with sincere devotion. I invite you to deepen your bonds and walk more diligently with our Lord Jesus Christ. For as we lean on his promises and infinite grace, we find ourselves filled with a desire to carefully serve him, while also embracing a sense of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For isn’t it this sense of encouragement that we as Christians seek daily in our journey to heaven? Through Christ’s cross and resurrection power, such a gospel serves as a testament to how service to King Jesus can be seen, not merely as a duty, but as a joyful privilege. This reassurance is a precious companion as we navigate the wilderness of this world—pressing forward towards the celestial city of God that awaits us. And I say this to you when that moment arrives, when we stand before the bar of God, and Christ the Judge calls us to heaven, what an entrance will be ministered unto you abundantly into his everlasting kingdom. I encourage you to diligence in this work, that you may discover encouragement even amidst the trials and challenges we encounter on our path of true godliness.
Even in the face of affliction, suffering or trial, we are called to holy diligence before Christ—seeking comfort through prayer, reliance on the Father, and fellowship with fellow believers. Through this, we gain the spiritual strength to press onwards.
Yet even now I share a word of encouragement with you. I direct your attention to the ever-present hope found in Jesus Christ through His gospel. The Divine Word assures us that our service is not in vain, and our current struggles are but temporary hurdles when compared to the eternal rewards and glory that await us. With our hearts anchored in this eternal hope, we are empowered to not only persevere, but to thrive in our commitment to Christ’s service. Discover how biblical encouragement can ignite a personal joy for you within your heart, enriching your journey in the diligent service of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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