Sake

"I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus," 2 Timothy 2:10.

That's how one old preacher, rotting away in prison, left behind by almost every friend, coming up to a death sentence, explained his life. All for the sake of the elect. Who's that? The chosen people. And who are these? Human beings who heard the preaching of the gospel, who confessed Jesus as Lord, who left behind unrighteous ways. That old man saw his purpose to draw people to eternal life in Jesus' message. He trusted that to die with Christ was to live with Christ. To endure with Christ was to reign with Christ. But, to deny Christ was to be denied by Christ. To be faithless - well, that didn't change Christ: Christ remains faithful for he cannot deny himself. So, that old guy shared life in Christ toward the elect, the church.

We cannot help but meet with a brother or sister today to encourage each other in faithfulness to Christ. And, together, thankfully, we strive ahead for the Lord's appearing.