Hebrews 10:35-36 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

This is a message we really need to hear, but don’t really like. The Japanese word order puts it a little more bluntly: “What you need in order to receive what has been promised is patient endurance.” We don’t like being told that! However, we need to remember, and be encouraged by, verse 35. I’ve talked about not liking the Japanese word for confidence, because it is written as “self-belief,” but the term used here I would tend to render in English as “assurance,” and is written as “firm belief.” The English and Japanese agree perfectly on “throw away,” however. It is sad to see people do that, and it’s not uncommon. People can seem to be fully assured believers, and then a very short time later they seem to have no faith at all. We must not forget that the devil is a liar, and he is constantly trying to get through to us. I think it is wise for English-speakers to make the distinctions that are present in the Japanese here, because assurance is far more valuable than confidence. God does not call us to sacrifice with no reward. Jesus told His disciples, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29) However, if our focus is on “I’m going to get rich,” then we will essentially miss out on it all. Materialism doesn’t bring genuine happiness, or, for that matter, the kingdom of God. It does at times help, though, to remember that what we’re going to get totally eclipses whatever we might seem to lose in this life.

I have experienced this first hand. I sank my financial inheritance into this church building, and then joyfully transferred title to the church once we acquired registration as a “religious corporation.” My financial needs have been met, even though there have been moments when I was in something of a panic over them. I do have a deep assurance that God is far greater than all my weaknesses and failures, so all I have to do is listen obediently to Him. People are impressed that we have been in Omura since 1981, and we are in planning for celebrating the 40^th anniversary of our church organization in May, but I feel that is very much “small potatoes” for God. I can, however, testify that “patient endurance” has its rewards! As I was telling a Japanese pastor friend in a Google chat last night, I felt great joy on Sunday, despite my physical misery from my cold, to hear the church functioning fully without me, and realize that Christ has indeed established His Body here, and it’s not just something I’ve done. That sort of assurance is reward indeed.

Father, thank You for all that You have done over the years, and all You are continuing to do. It’s exciting to see glimpses of Your plan that have nothing directly to do with me, but at the same time are fruit of what You have done in and through me. May indeed Your name be acknowledged as holy and Your rule and reign be established as Your will is done, right here and across the world, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!