We Can Face Tomorrow
This article is based on a sermon I gave on November 3, 2024, at Five Mile Church of the Nazarene in Boise, Idaho. Listen to this message here, or keep scrolling to read.
A lifeguard was sitting high above the local swimming pool on a hot summer day when a young swimmer began to struggle in the deep end. People in the pool started calling for the lifeguard's help. They shouted and waved their arms, reminding him that it was his job to jump in and help the young swimmer. Slowly, the lifeguard climbs down from his perch, looks around, and, instead of diving in, calmly says, “Don’t you realize we can all do something here? We can all vote for a shallower pool!"
It’s a silly story, right? No lifeguard would act like that, especially if someone were in trouble. With elections and voting on everyone’s minds right now, we must engage in the process as best we can. Voting for a shallower pool might be a good idea. It might be a solution that needs to be considered. But, at the moment, the best option is to jump into the deep end to save the struggling swimmer!
As Christians, we have a purpose and a calling that demands we not merely sit back and watch others struggle or limit our involvement to voting for things we hope will help. We’re called to actively participate in our world as the hands, feet, hope, and light of Christ. Let’s embrace that mission together!
Keep Your Eyes of Jesus
Throughout my years as a pastor, I’ve spent a lot of time reading the Bible. You'd probably expect that from a pastor, right? What always amazes me is that even after reading the Bible countless times, the Holy Spirit continues to breathe new life into me these words. This is part of what we mean when we say scripture is "inspired" or "God-breathed." It’s not just about what the Holy Spirit did thousands of years ago but is also the work that the Spirit does in each of us today as we prayerfully read the Scriptures.
When I’m knee-deep in the Bible, studying, reflecting upon, and praying through the Bible, I find it easier to tune out the constant barrage of negativity in the media. The never-ending news cycle doesn't shape my outlook on life anymore. Isn't it interesting how television can sway how we see ourselves and the world? My joy and peace aren’t affected by the outcome of my favorite team's latest outing, the ups and downs of the stock market, or the latest political drama.
Today, I want to highlight that as we read scripture, it points us toward Jesus. Scripture reveals Jesus as the source of our hope, salvation, and new life and does so fully and completely. Nothing necessary is lacking. Scripture, throughout, points to Jesus.
When I played Little League, my coach always said, "Keep your eye on the ball." Whether at the plate or in the field, you had to know where the ball was to play well. The same was true of basketball – "Always see your man and the ball!" Life is similar—keeping our eyes on Jesus is crucial.
When my wife was in labor with each of our three children, there came a moment each time when she felt she couldn’t go on. I could see it in her eyes. But by looking into each other's eyes and staying focused, she found the strength to keep pushing. Jesus offers us that same comfort—when life feels overwhelming, He gently reminds us to keep our eyes on Him, assuring us that we will make it through with him.
In today’s world of tension, division, and unkindness, it’s important to remember that we are called to point our lives toward Jesus. Whether we are among those claiming victory or reeling from defeat, our reaction is the same--keep our eyes on Jesus.
I want to share four essential pillars of truth that are worth keeping in mind—not just now but in any situation. No matter what you're facing—family stuff, work hurdles, or the uncertainties around us—it's important to remember that we can take on tomorrow, no matter what today brings. We can handle whatever tomorrow throws our way because we know who holds tomorrow.
First pillar: God is faithful
The first pillar to hold onto is this – God is faithful. This concept is like a sturdy lifeline, something you can hold onto no matter the circumstances swirling around you.
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; (every tomorrow) great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22–23, NIV)
Throughout the Bible, we see God's constant faithfulness. Israel was meant to be a nation under one true King—God Himself. But impatience and frustration led them to ask for a human king. Even though this wasn’t God's original plan, He granted their request, and human history has been a mess ever since, more or less! Yet, through it all– disobedience, betrayal, slavery. and exile--God was faithful.
"While kings and kingdoms come and go, God's faithfulness remains. While generations change, leaders come and go; the faithfulness of God does
not leave a faithful people."
--Tim and Shawna Gaines (Kings and Presidents)
Here’s the good news:
God was faithful,
God is faithful, and
God will always be faithful.
Each new day and every tomorrow, we can wake up knowing that God's unwavering love is right there with us. No matter the chaos or challenges around us, the peace of God—His Shalom—never leaves those who bow before Him, surrender their lives, and walk faithfully, guiding themselves and others toward Jesus.
So, keep your eyes on Jesus, who has promised to be with us always, even to the very end of the age!
Second pillar: Jesus is Lord
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, ...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:8-11 NIV)
Jesus is Lord of a kingdom that's not of this world. When we pray, "Your kingdom come," we invite this amazing kingdom over which Jesus reigns into our lives. He is Lord of the church and everyone who carries His name. He is Lord, and nothing else compares. Amen!
Today, when we say "Jesus is Lord," we generally think of it in spiritual terms, but it's so much more than that. For the early church, declaring Jesus as Lord came with an unspoken addendum–"and Caesar is not."
Jesus is Lord, and Caesar is not!
Caesar claimed to be divine, demanding worship and loyalty, no matter the cost. But the early church stood up and proclaimed, "Nope, nada, nein, and no way – Jesus, and only Jesus, is Lord!" He is the one we follow, no matter what others think or do. Jesus is our focus because He is truly Lord.
Today, we encounter many "Caesars"—people, ideas, and trends all competing for our attention and loyalty. When we say, "Jesus is Lord," it’s important to truly live out this commitment, keeping our devotion strong and focused rather than letting it shift elsewhere.
What in your life competes for your attention and loyalty?
"The Christ within who is our hope of glory is not a matter of theological debate or philosophical speculation. He is not a hobby, a part-time project, a good theme for a book, or a last resort when all human effort fails. He is our life, the most real fact about us. He is the power & wisdom of God dwelling within us.”
--Brennan Manning (Abba’s Child)
Jesus is Lord—a solid foundation on which you can build your life. Keep your eyes on Him and set aside distractions. Each morning, we can wake up knowing that God is faithful and works for the good of those who love Him.
Do you believe that?
Let’s proclaim daily that Jesus is Lord, confident He is always with us. Remember, Jesus promised to be with us always. Jesus, and only Jesus, is Lord.
Pillar three: The Holy Spirit is with us
We’re never really alone; even when we feel isolated, the Holy Spirit is right there with us. It’s also great to be with others—coming together as a church and community for fellowship helps us support one another. Through these gatherings, the Holy Spirit actively works among us, bringing us closer together!
All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:25-26 NIV)
If you've ever been curious about the role of the Holy Spirit, here's a vital piece of the puzzle. The Holy Spirit is here to teach and remind us of everything Jesus said and did.
Back in the church's first three centuries, Christians faced some tough challenges without government support, personal rights, or freedom to worship. There were no Bibles as we have today, and no church buildings, full-time staff, or resources like YouTube to stream their services! Yet, against all odds, Christianity thrived, eventually turning the Roman Empire into the heart of Western Christianity.
So, how did this happen? Part of the answer lies in how early Christians listened to the Holy Spirit, who guided them and kept Jesus' teachings fresh in their minds. They embraced their mission by pursuing righteousness and loving their neighbors. Scripture tells us they were known for their love, which pointed to Jesus in everything they did.
Today, we enjoy many rights and freedoms, including the right to vote, our responsibility as citizens. While engaging thoughtfully with these rights is important, our ultimate mission remains the same, no matter where we live or what freedoms we have. Our calling is to shine a light on Jesus, knowing that God is faithful and Jesus is our Lord. The Holy Spirit helps us remember our identity in Christ and keeps our focus on Him.
Living out this mission can be challenging, but as scripture reminds us, it is "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6). The Holy Spirit empowers us to declare Jesus as Lord, even when the going gets tough.
"God often chooses for His instruments, not those who are strongest or most learned, but those who are the most willing and humble."
--Helen Keller (The Story of My Life)
Every day, we can wake up knowing that God is faithful and working for the good of those who love Him. We can confidently proclaim Jesus as Lord, assured of His constant presence. With the Holy Spirit in us, we can do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Eph 3:20).
As we look to tomorrow, we can do so with confidence, knowing that God is faithful, Jesus is Lord, and the Holy Spirit is by our side. Hebrews 10:23 tells us to " hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23). Life may not always be easy, and there are sins and societal evils that must be confronted. We do so, looking to Jesus as our model and exmample of both grace and truth. As Christians we are people of truth, justice, and righteousness, and we are also people of hope, grace, and light, living in God’s peace.
I love what Emily Dickinson wrote:
"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all."
--Emily Dickinson (Hope)
What a beautiful image of hope as an unending song in our souls, a song of God's faithfulness, the Lordship of Jesus in our lives, and the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts. It's genuinely the song that never ends!
We can face tomorrow with hope, no matter what it brings. An old hymn sums it up nicely –
"Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand"
("I Know Who Holds Tomorrow).
Steven E Fairbanks
Steven E Fairbanks
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