Pastor Jentezen drew a powerful parallel in his sermon between the Old Testament narrative of Eleazar, who was tasked with keeping the Ark of the Covenant, and the New Testament call for believers to be "keepers" of the faith. He reminded us that we have a sacred duty to safeguard the gospel. By referencing Revelation 22:7, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book,” he emphasized the urgency and blessing of maintaining the integrity of God's message. 

Just as Eleazar was consecrated to keep the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people, we are called to keep the "good deposit" of faith, which includes the teachings, the sacrifice, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This deposit is like the "box" Pastor Jentezen spoke of - filled with the power to heal, provide, and save, representing the multifaceted grace of Jesus. 

Like Eleazar, who didn't treat the Ark as a mere relic but as a central part of his life, we are to keep the gospel with integrity. Let’s not alter or dilute the message for modern appeal.  

This week, be a keeper of your faith, which means integrating it into every aspect of your life. Living this out means reevaluating your priorities, relationships, and daily decisions through the lens of your faith. As Paul told Timothy, the task of guarding this deposit is not by might nor by power but by the Holy Spirit!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your charge to keep the good deposit entrusted to me. Thank Your for the faith in my heart and for the ability to fan it into a flame through reading the Bible and doing what You say in Scripture. Help me not be like Uzzah who perished by putting his hand to things not his to touch. Help me be like Eleazar, faithfully guarding and keeping those things entrusted to my care. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

As Free Chapel’s period of fasting in January approaches, consider how you will use the Fast to prepare and consecrate yourself to be a keeper of the faith in your worship, your life, your work, and your relationships throughout the year.