The Greatest Resolution

As we turn the pages of our calendars, we stand on the threshold of both a new year and a new decade. And at this time, perhaps it would be well to invest in a few minutes of personal reflection. If we are like millions of people during this season we may have already done our annual check-up of our lives and perhaps have a list of “New Year’s Resolutions” available to either implement or discard. The Bible writers often use the word covenant which has similar meaning to a resolution. While we may write our resolutions on paper, when God makes a resolution, He is willing to write it in stone because He is unwavering in His commitments to His people. As we look back over our lives, perhaps even this past year, we remember times of prosperity, health and joy. We may also remember that we faced some challenges along the way, maybe even some that were so overwhelming that it is hard to imagine that a covenant-making God is still present in our times.

An illustration of this is found in the story of Job. Job understood the covenant promise of God to send a Redeemer to rescue His people; he was living with that hope in the light of God’s incredible blessings. Yet, in the midst of his version of It’s a Wonderful Life the most unspeakable tragedy struck him and his family. This is a story of profound loss: family, livestock, possessions and, ultimately, Job even lost his health. In the Bible book that bears his name, Job gives an overview of the damages he suffered at the hands of all the people remaining in his life. He even laid a significant portion of that on God Himself.

In chapter 19, we find a very important passage of scripture. It’s like Job reached deep into his soul to muster every remaining bit of strength to make a declaration—sort of his testimonial resolution of faith. It is so important that he wishes that he could chisel it in stone and fill it with lead so that it will never be forgotten. Here are his words: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end he will stand on the earth.” Job was confident that the promised Redeemer would stand in his place, restore his life and reclaim all that he had lost. It might not be anytime soon, but he was seriously holding to this confident hope and belief.

What about us? What kind of resolution would we make that would capture our greatest commitment to what we believe is so important that we would want it carved into rock to be remembered forever. The resolution that holds the greatest importance to me is found in the words of the apostle Paul recorded in 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I resolved to know nothing … except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

Jesus Christ—Redeemer, Savior and Friend! My challenge to each of us today is that we will resolve to let our Redeemer write His love upon our hearts as we walk with Him every day of this new year.

By Phil Robertson, Executive Secretary/Treasurer