FaithLESSness

Over the last two devotionals, we've looked at how God's faithfulness is expressed through His unchanging character, his unfailing promises, and His fulfillment of His eternal plan through Jesus Christ. His faithfulness serves as the anchor to our souls, providing peace amidst the ever changing and shifting world around us.

So what is the opposite of God's faithfulness? The faithlessness of the world.

In the world historically, we see this pattern:
1- A generation rises up, turns away from the Lord in sin and rebellion and disbelief.
2- As a result, the world forms distorted versions of truth by spurring on movements and messages that turn souls further away from God's faithfulness.

3- This shift from the faithfulness of God ultimately leads to faithlessness in a people, leading entire generations deep into the destruction and darkness of sin.

4- Over time, and maybe through multiple generations, mankind hits rock bottom in the ways of the world and slowly begins turning their eyes back to the faithfulness of God's character, promises, and eternal plan.

In this pattern of the world, we see character change, broken promises, and a rebellion from God's plan. We see constant shifting and changing whose end is never truly the happiness or fulfillment that is promised along the way; but instead, emptiness, misery, despair, and brokenness.

The prophet Hosea understands this pattern of humanity, even amongst God's chosen people, the Israelites. After they abandoned the faithfulness of God for the faithlessness of the world, he delivered these words in the authority of God:

"Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel, for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land; there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed." (Hosea 4:1-2)

Don't we see this pattern throughout our generations and nations and at times, even the church? And yet, despite our patterns of faithlessness, as mentioned in the previous devotional, God remains faithful and confirms His plans--reigning over all things, including our sinful rebellion. For even "if we are faithless, he remains faithful--for He cannot deny Himself" (2 Timothy 2:13).

But for the followers of Christ who are being washed in His blood and sanctified by His Spirit, there is good news! We are no longer defined by our faithless patterns, but by the perfect faithfulness of Jesus Christ. It is by His perfect and obedient faith that we are clothed in His righteousness and assured salvation in judgement.

Next week we will wrap up the fruit of faithfulness, by looking at the fruits that flow from faithfulness.