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SCRIPTURE READINGS

JEREMIAH 23:1-6

COLOSSIANS 1:10-20

LUKE 23:33-43

SUNDAY REFLECTION

Pressing on to the end is the theme for our reflection. Pressing on means enduring with determination while overcoming obstacles by steadily moving towards a particular destination or achieving a particular goal. Pressing on to the end in our reflection is moving forward in endurance and keeping our focus on our salvation or the day of our redemption which will culminate in the day of the Lord. We shall reflect on the following points:

1. Those who press on to the end in repentance and acknowledgement of Jesus as their saviour shall be saved.
2. Those who experience injustice and oppression but press on to the end in faith shall be saved.

Firstly, repentance and acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as our saviour is a bold step of faith. It is a decision to allow ourselves to be saved from sin and to experience eternal life. It is a decision that involves pressing on to the end regardless of our past lives and the ramifications or consequences of our sins. The repentant robber acknowledged Jesus as the son of God without sin and prayed to Jesus for salvation. Even on the cross, the robber saw the need to press on to the end where his soul shall have eternal life although his body was being tortured or punished because of sin. As a sign of repentance, faith and acknowledgement of the Lordship of our Lord Jesus as the Saviour, he said to the other unrepentant robber and Jesus respectively, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:40-43) Dear friend, Paul highlights the Supremacy of Jesus through his letter to the Colossian church, for which we must press on to the end in repentance, faith, hope and in acknowledgement of Jesus as our Saviour. Jesus is Supreme and He is our only hope, for Jesus “the Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:15-20) Beloved in the Lord, we have Jesus, the solid foundation and rock to lean on as we press on to the end to attain eternal life.

Secondly, for those who have a covenant relationship with the Lord but are enduring injustice and oppression, we must not give up but press on to the end for our day of salvation and vindication will surely come in the Lord. This is the same assurance Jeremiah gives to the nation Israel as he brings the Lord’s judgement upon the wicked and corrupt leaders of Israel. The consolation and encouragement to those who have been treated unjustly and oppressed is that “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: The LORD is our righteousness.’ (Jeremiah 23:5-6) Similarly, I want to assure you that the Lord acknowledges your suffering and endurance, especially in times when you have been faithful to Him yet continue to be persecuted and treated unjustly, especially on account of your faith. Do not despair but hold on to your faith in the Lord, the Lord shall save and vindicate you in your current suffering and at His second coming He shall save us and we shall dwell securely in His Kingdom forever. Press on to the end and endure the current injustice and suffering which may be coming from corrupt, unjust and wicked leaders, bosses or anyone you have toiled for. Always remember David’s encounter with the Lord when he wrote that “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;…You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalms 23:4,5-6)

In summary, we have reflected on the theme “Pressing on to the end” and we have identified two important facts: those who press on to the end in repentance and acknowledgement of Jesus as their saviour shall be saved and those who experience injustice and oppression but press on to the end in faith shall be saved and vindicated. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to press on to the end to glorify God. Amen.