"Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations." (Luke 22:28).

         Our usual emphasis is on the Lord being with us, to never leave us nor forsake us, and this is certainly true. Moses said to Israel, "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them (their adversaries): for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (Deut. 31:6). Over and over again this encouragement is given in the Scripture-- take heart, God is with you-- He will walk with you through the valleys, and up o'er the mountains. Trust, be not afraid!
         However we also find an awesome truth that is tucked into the Scriptures, that during our Lord's earthly sojourn there were times when Jesus needed someone to be with Him, to walk with Him as He went through some of His testings. Perhaps part of the reason for gathering around Him His disciples was that they might share those moments of testing which were appointed Him. He shared in our humanity, and there were those who were privileged to share in His. They knew Him in ways that are hard to describe-- until they said one to another, "What manner of man is this?" (Matthew 8:27).The power of the Kingdom of God betimes left them speechless. But they also saw times when His humanity was very much in evidence-- He was a "man," and needed that support of His disciples-- someone to continue with Him in His times of temptation-- trial. Together, Jesus, and His disciples, walked the Judean hills, faced the scorn and rejection of the Pharisees, was totally misunderstood by the Sadducees, was rebuffed by the religious leaders, while He taught the common people, and fed them the loaves and fishes. And His disciples served the people-- awed by the miracles that took place.
         True, in the final outworking He stated and experienced-- "I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with Me." (Isaiah 63:3). There were none that could really go with Him all the way, for He was blazing out the trail for us to follow. "For it was an act worthy of God and fitting to the divine nature that He, for Whose sake and by Whom all things have their existence, in bringing many sons into glory, should make the Pioneer of their salvation perfect, that is, should bring to maturity the human experience necessary for a perfect equipment for His office, through suffering." (Hebrews 2:10, Amplified).
         Peter certainly denied Him, and His other disciples drifted away for the moment, for they could not handle the trying, proving, testing that He was going through. But in a limited way, for a certain time, His disciples, and others, surrounded Him and gave what support they could. "You are those who have remained with Me through my trials and testings." (Wuest). For sure, Jesus knew who was "standing with Him," and He appreciated them.
         God knows to what extent we can "stand by," and He also knows "when we have exhausted our store of endurance," as the hymn bears out, and we cast ourselves upon His mercy, that He might bring us through to victory.
        Brought into the depths of identification with Christ in sharing with Him, then we must face the same "aloneness" that He did, and find in Him that revitalization that enables us to press on. Our Lord knew, and He stated, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:53). The humanity reaches out to the divine, and so "There appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him." (Luke 22:43). But the ALONENESS was essential both for the man Christ Jesus, and for us. And certainly God knows our limitations, and also strengthens us, that with Him we might come through victoriously. He truly stands with us, as we endeavor to stand with Him.
         Paul shared in the experience of aloneness, stating "At my first answer no man stood with Me, but all men forsook me." (2 Tim. 4:16). He could also  say "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me." (v.17). The power of the Spirit imparting that which is needed to bring us through. He is our sufficiency, and in Him we find the resources that enable us to press on. "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." (2 Cor. 4:16).
         On one occasion when there was an exodus in fellowship, Jesus said to His disciples, "Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to Whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life." (John 6:67-68). In effect he was saying, "Lord, we must continue with you, there is no other place to go-- You have what we need." Yet, in continuing with Him there are some difficult moments to face, and our trust in Him is sorely tried.
         The disciples saw the power of God in action on many a blessed occasion as the blind were made to see, the deaf ears were opened, and even the dead were raised. They heard the marvelous words that came from His mouth. It was The Kingdom drawing nigh, and they must needs follow close with Him.
         Yet for all the demonstration of the power of the Kingdom of God, it was not an easy road to walk with Him. He did not commend them for staying with Him because of the blessings, bread and fish multiplied to feed the thousands. Stormy seas quieted. Taxes paid with finances miraculously supplied. etc. But His remark was "Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations." Impart to us positive blessings, Lord, and we will follow Thee, but when it is negative circumstances then the continuing is another matter. Ah, what an in working this becomes for us even today.
         He "was in all points tempted like as we are." (Hebrews 4:15). Now, dare the situation be reversed, and we, in all points, be tested as He was? It is a challenging thought. But whatever the situation, "Lord, help us to continue with Thee!" In His Gethsemane experience He was alone in spite of having His disciples with Him. He asked them to "tarry ye here, and watch with Me. And then He went a little farther, fell on His face, and prayed. --Then He cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with Me one hour?" (Matthew 26:48-40).
         Peter had "said unto Him, Though I should die with Thee, yet will I not deny Thee." (Matthew 26:35). It was a bold statement, and I am sure that in the height of his emotion he meant it. But the fact was he could not even "watch" one hour. Watch-- to gather one's faculties and be alert to the time and conditions, be vigilant. But the evening hour was late, the body was weary, and they drifted off to sleep, unable to grasp the very seriousness of the situation. Jesus had often gone off alone to commune with His Father-- and so they waited, quite unaware of the criticalness of the hour. They had not yet learned what it meant "to watch." As best they could they would continue with Him, but in their humanity they fell short.
         Faithfulness, steadfastness, to continue with Him-- thank God for those who are committed to His will and purpose regardless of the pressures of these days. Daniel gives us a beautiful example-- and even the king bore witness to his walk with God. Through their trickery and mischief Daniel's enemies connived to get him thrown into the lion's den. When the king finally was made aware of what was happening, and what he had committed himself to do, he was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on finding a way to deliver Daniel-- but there was no way out of the dilemma. It was time to turn to a higher power, and here is where Daniel's life bore witness unto victory. "The king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee." This is wonderful! The king knew that there was a continual service of Daniel to his God, and even the threat of a lions' den would not deter Daniel from worshiping his God. So the king went to his palace and spent a sleepless night worrying about Daniel, while Daniel rested in his God-- a God who could shut the mouth of the lions. So when morning came, the king hastens to the lions' den, cries out to Daniel, "0 Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" And Daniel answers back, "My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me." (Daniel 6:16, 20, 22).
         The miracle of divine protection and preservation is outstanding, but the witness of Daniel that he continually served his God was also notable. The king recognized it, and while he did not have a personal faith in Daniel's God, yet he did hope that such devoted service by Daniel would bring its own reward. Besides, would Daniel be so consistent in serving this God if it was as fruitless as the gods that the king supposedly believed in? The question is pointed to us today, how strongly are we committed to God? Is there a true sense of permanence in our devotion to Him? "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." (1 Cor. 4:2).
         While, as already mentioned, Paul had his times of aloneness, etc. yet he would press on regardless of the circumstances. But he also longed for the brethren, and experienced the heartache of broken fellowship. How it must have pained him to write "Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica." And as if that was not enough, he writes on, "Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me." (2 Timothy 4:10-11).They scattered in all directions, for whatever their reasons might be. But of Demas it clearly stated, "having loved this present world." Forsaken me-- the Greek literally means "to leave down." Talk about a let down! Rejected and left to stand alone. We could no doubt list countless occasions-- in the Scriptures, and in personal experience, when this path was walked out, communion/fellowship was broken, but for the moment we are focused upon Jesus, and how He experienced these things. He looked upon His disciples and with gratitude He said to them, "Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations." And now our prayer arises "Lord, help us to daily be stedfast in our continuance with Thee!" amen!
         We have noted the humanity side of things-- the fickleness of the flesh, and even in this day we have the challenge of "CONTINUING." There are several areas wherein we must needs be faithful, where we must daily focus on Christ. Our walk with Him is not just on the physical plane, that is, we don't walk with Him in Galilee, Judea, etc. but we are walking with Him, receiving, drawing our life from the Spirit. We do walk out an experiential walk, being processed, matured, finding our life is hid with Christ in God. And there are some vital things to continue, so consider--
         John 8:31, "If ye continue in My word then are ye My disciples indeed."
         "If you abide in My Word -hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them -- you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth, .and the truth will set you free." (Amplified). We love this last statement and quote it often-- "Know the truth, and it will set you free." But we must needs realize that it is based upon the preceding verse-- that we need to continue in the Word, abiding in Him, and then we shall know the truth, and be His disciple-- His disciplined ones. Without a continuance in the Word there cannot be an on-going processing which changes us from glory to glory, preparing us to be partakers of His kingdom. The truth transforms!
         The Psalmist said it so well-- "Give me understanding, and I shall keep Thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. --Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:34, 105). It's not a mantra, that is, a mystical formula of prayer or incantation that we repeat over and over again. It's not a liturgy, or a recitation of Scripture that we quote by rote. But it is His Word that comes alive within us as we yield ourselves to Him, and the holy Spirit quickens to us the written Word which becomes a living Word, applicable to our time and need. It is not just a historical message that is set before us, but we would be "established in the present truth." (2 Peter 1:12) .Present truth-- literally the Greek text here reads "an alongside" truth. There is a continuance as we walk with Him that becomes a progressive unfolding of truth, for our strength and for His glory. By His spirit He is walking alongside of us, speaking truth into our inner being. HE is magnified in the quickening of His Word.
         It is a dual working-- we are to be established in the truth, and the truth is to ever be alongside of us-- "I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one." (John 17:23). Oh, to continue in His truth, while His truth continues in us! "The truth shall make you..." We are not able to change ourselves, but the LIVING WORD will transform us by His grace. It becomes obvious as one ponders these things-- that we cannot walk with Him unless we are in agreement with that which He is revealing, for, as the prophet said, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3) .
         Paul saw the necessity of "Confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22).
         "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17).There you have it-- you cannot continue in the faith unless you also are continuing in the Word, for it is HIS WORD which becomes the basis (foundation) for our faith. Walking with Him, hearing His Word, and we have a communion/fellowship which encourages and strengthens us to go on. But there is also a confirming of what Jesus said-- "Ye have continued with Me in My temptations (testings)." Now we are admonished to continue in the faith/Word, because we are scheduled/appointed to go through tribulation if we would enter into the kingdom of God. Through tribulation to glory! No wonder we need to continue in the faith, there is much that we must needs go through-- pressures that are ordained for our processing if we are to be partakers of His kingdom.
         Christ purposes "To present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel." (Col. 1:22-23). Grounded and settled-- this is another way of saying continuing-- it bespeaks of that constancy with a sense of permanence-- abiding in a relationship, a state of being IN CHRIST. "Ye are they which have continued with Me." And then Paul adds one more qualification, "be not moved away from the hope of the gospel." The Psalmist speaks of "The Word-- upon which Thou hast caused me to hope." (Psalm 119:49) "I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His Word do I hope." (Psalm 130:5). In these days when the world has lost its hope, we find it all the more imperative that we be not "moved away from the hope of the gospel." It is all linked together, HIS WORD upon which we base our faith, has given us a tremendous hope that cannot fail.
         Again we note how Paul ties it all together, "having hope, when your faith is increased." (2 Cor. 10:15). THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL-- the good news. The more we continue in the Word the more our faith will increase, and our hope is enlarged. Peter also states that we "believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God." (1 Peter 1:21). And one more verse on this point, for the prophet speaks of a time when "The heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of His people." (Joel 3:16). Praise His wonderful name!
         Paul gave a very challenging word to the people of Antioch, and as he came to the end of his sermon many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, this brought a further word from Paul, "Who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God." (Acts 13:43). Full well Paul knew what it was to be "religious," and become ensnared with the many self-works that plague such people. And so it was essential that they were instructed to continue in the grace of God. No one could declare it any better than Paul himself. He knew the futility of self-works, "And do count them but dung." (Phil. 3:8). His message on "grace" was very clear. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9). But it is one thing to receive the grace of God, and another thing to continue in the grace of God. A progressive walk with Christ-- to continue with Him, certainly requires that we continue in grace. Yet how often do men hear the Word of the Lord, respond with faith, rejoice in the hope of the gospel, and then little by little move away from His grace-- stopping along the way to build a kingdom for self, snare some people with a system of works, and all the time think they are doing God a favor. What a blindness, what a tragedy-- for they no longer continue with Him, but they only ask that God continue with them, bless their works, enlarge their kingdom. But it is HIS kingdom, not ours, and His mercy and grace that are so very liberally given to us. And so Paul again expands the message-- "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness." (Rom. 11:22).
         The goodness of God, His kindness, His integrity, are shown all the way through the Scriptures, but this is not without divine balance. When we touch upon the severity of God we are making reference to His taking hold of that which is out-of-line and with His righteous judgments He swiftly corrects that which needs attention. "He, that often being reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." (Prov. 29:1). The word "severity" bespeaks of a swift action, a rigorous cutting away, abrupt, decisive. The mercy and love of God in this action is far beyond our ability to tell, but it is a positive part of His handiwork. For His own integrity requires this chastisement and correction.
         But there is a continuing in His goodness, and finding that "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." (Romans 2:4). Yes, some changes are wrought in men as the severity of God is upon them, but there are special mercies, kindnesses, which are freely bestowed upon us as we yield  to Him. If we "abide not still in unbelief" (Rom. 11:23) but respond to His grace, we are welcomed back into our Father, grafted into Him, to be partakers of His life. How marvelous is that walk which He hath ordained, when we can continue with Him-- going on with Him-- sharing in His goodness because we desire Him alone, knowing that HE alone is all that we need.
         This brings us to another thought, when Paul says, "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2). Prayer is far more than just reciting to the Lord all of our wants and wishes, submitting, as it were, a shopping list for blessings which we want Him, as our benevolent Care Giver, to give us. Rather, it is a direct communion of surrender and abandonment to His will. We continue with Him because we want HIS WILL to be done in our life, in our loved ones, in our community, etc. reaching out to embrace a creation that needs God. And it takes us back to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus told His disciples to "watch and pray." Here we have the same instruction, to pray and watch-- and to do so "with thanksgiving." This, indeed, would be a mark that we are truly continuing with Him-- as we reach out in constant prayer-- in both attitude and action, to make our desires known unto Him, and wrap up the whole with thanksgiving.
         Hannah gives us an excellent example of "continued prayer." She earnestly poured out her soul unto God, and "continued praying before the Lord." (1 Samuel 1:12). It was not a dashing in and out of God's presence, but she CONTINUED praying. That the answer was not immediately forthcoming did not deter her, nor yet when Eli the priest misunderstood her form of praying as she "spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard." (v. 13). She prayed until the Word of the Lord was given to her that she would have the answer to her cry. But even a prayer fulfilled did not end her praying-- she "watched in the same with thanksgiving," and rejoiced in the Lord, magnifying His name. It becomes a glorious on-going walk with the Lord when we continue praying and watch with thanksgiving, to pour out our hearts to the Lord, with worship and praise.
         "I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him." (Isaiah 57:19) .
         The Amplified gives, "I create the fruit of his lips and I will heal him-- make his lips blossom anew with speech in thankful praise." Continue with praise/thanksgiving. How marvelous! He creates both the cause for being thankful (by healing us), and the praise whereby we continue to thank Him. He makes our lips blossom! Positive expressions of gratitude! No wonder the Psalmist declared, "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1). It is an on-going offering to Him, to magnify Him. No more negative whining, carnal complaining, grumbling, griping, protesting His handiwork. A sacrifice it might be for us to praise Him for the processings, but the more we praise Him, the more we shall find our lips blossoming anew with speech that glorifies our God.
         And finally, 1 John 2:24, "Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father."  "If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto Him, and make our abode with him." (John 14:23). Here is the summation of the matter: we are to continue in His Word, in His faith, in His grace, in His goodness, in prayer, in praise, and in our union with the Father and the Son. It is wonderful to have Him continue with us, but it is also essential that we continue with Him, and if in all these areas we endeavor to walk with Him, how blessed will be the fellowship we have with Him. "So have I loved you; continue ye in My love." (John 15:9). Amen.

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NOTE: We are most grateful for those who have continued with us through the years, some have received every issue for over forty years. While this is the final issue, there remains within us the prayer that you, with us, will CONTINUE WITH CHRIST, and together we shall be one spirit in Him.

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(1)Prinzing, Ray and Doris "Letters of Truth"  Boise, Idaho 83705, P.O. Box 5822

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