The Very Thing! Even This! Precisely This!

Yes, at any price! And no exceptions! Rom. 13:6: They are God’s servants—those who make sure they pay their taxes and expenses at the right time and with great joy!

Paul says that doing just that is a mark of God’s true servants! Most people show a greater interest in being taxed less, than in serving God and keeping His commandments.

Something very appropriate is written in Galatians 2:10. The other apostles gave Paul the right hand of fellowship, but not just like that. It was on condition that he would remember the poor. Paul submitted completely, and could say, “The very thing which I also was eager to do.” Any thought of “if” and “but” was foreign to him.

In Romans 9:17 it is written, “Even for this same purpose I have raised you up . . . .” Everything in God’s kingdom is done with a purpose and determinedly. The Lord be highly praised! There are no vague words or random acts! What an unusually thorough salvation we need in order to become like God in this particular area!

In 2 Corinthians 5:5 it is written—God be praised!—“Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God . . . .” This refers to being stripped of our self. This is the very thing that must be radically fulfilled! Away with it! This is just the way it is with all of salvation and sanctification from the first lowly beginning, and the entire way afterwards.

As soon as we receive a new light, it is precisely this light that we are to follow faithfully, without any “ifs” and “buts” and without hesitation! It is to be considered as a divine, royal order every time! Therefore we must act right away, with great hope and great joy!

“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue . . . .” 2 Pet. 1:5. Why? Answer: For this very reason! The reason for it is written in the previous verse. This is precisely why we are to be very diligent! Precisely this and nothing else! How many people have done it precisely in this way and displayed an avid, boiling hot interest in it?

Jesus was asked, “Who are You?” What a fitting, thought-provoking answer He gave: “Just what I have been saying to you . . . .” John 8:25. It was precisely, that is, exactly as He had said! He was the Truth on two legs! My beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord: This is also our high and unspeakably glorious calling!

Jesus came to restore all things to their proper state (Heb. 9:10) in life and in the ministry, so that everything will become exactly as it ought to be. This is the very thing that is right and good and profitable and acceptable to God! Believe it; seek it with everything that is in you! You are pleasing God by doing it, for without faith it is impossible to please Him.

This is a matter of attitude and a way of reacting which, unfortunately, is unknown to most believers, even among our brothers and sisters. It is reminiscent of Romans 15:14 in the French Bible translation: “Full of good predispositions.” This, in turn, is reminiscent of a capable athlete in top condition before the race is to begin! This is a mindset that is thousands of miles removed from this pathetic attitude: “We have to hope and believe the best,” without making the least effort to carry it out.

Besides, we have a very good saying: “No sooner said than done!” This means: one—two—three, and it is done! What is it that was done? The very thing you just heard, or read, or were reminded of at meetings or in between meetings.

The Word and the Spirit speak the same, clear language, but where are those who are always filled with a good attitude to immediately do what they were just reminded of?

It is vital to have this attitude toward every word of God: This is the very thing I will do! There is much to be said about this, and there is much to be done about it too! Good success to all my beloved, truth-loving friends, both far and near!