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Thursday, 30 September 2021
I've begun so I'll finish

When each contestant's time expires on the popular 'Mastermind' quiz program, the question-master will always finish the question he is in the middle of asking and extra time is given to allow an answer. The well-known phrase, originated by the first Mastermind question-master, Magnus Magnusson, has becone famous: "I've begun so I'll finish". Paul uses the same idea of G-d in His work with us:

Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Messiah Yeshua.

We need to understand this word of encouragement Paul shares with the congregation at Philippi. God has started the work of transforming them into the likeness of Yeshua - all the disciples at Philippi - so that, as Paul explained to the community of believers in Rome:

Romans 8:29 For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.

It is not that each believer is to be a perfect twin of Yeshua - each of us has been created both equal but different, and we all have our distinctive appearance, behaviours and characteristics - but that there should be a strong and recognisable family resemblance. When people look at Yeshua's disciples, they should be able to 'see' Yeshua.

This transformation, this conformation, takes time, as the Spirit gently but firmly shapes us, knocks off our corners, rounds and polishes us. But this is what God says: "I've begun so I'll finish". What He needs to do will be done. He won't give up on any of us. No half-measures: "you'll do" or "I can't be bothered to finish that one". Each of us will be lovingly shaped by the hand of the Father until we resemble Yeshua in more ways than we can imagine.

This is God's promise about us. It is also God's promise for and to us, so be encouraged and claim that promise today; ask Him to keep on with the work and know that He is committed to finish the good work He has begun in you!

Posted By Jonathan Allen, 10:08am Comment Comments: 0