When researching the word “Stand” in the scriptures this morning, I noted a common theme. There were many like this scripture given in Malachi 3:2,


“But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:”


Asking the question, who is able to stand in the Lord’s presence? For we know that no unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God (Ephesians 5:5). So who can abide His coming? Who will be able to stand? And ironically the answer to the question is, those who have been standing for him all along. Those who have stood by faith, as Paul counseled to the Romans (Romans 11:20). Those who were ”not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Romans 1 :16).


So may we stand “having done all, to stand”(Ephesians 6:13-18). May “we hold fast the confidence… firm unto the end” (Hebrews 3:6). That when Christ comes, we may stand beside Him.


12″ x 12″ oil on panel