And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

   - Hebrews 11.39, 40

Deliver, Jesus, my soul from every vengeance,
as you delivered Martin from the priest of the idol.
Deliver me, Jesus, for the sake of your followers,
as you delivered Patrick from poison in Tara.

   - Oengus mac Oengobann, Féilire Oengusso, Irish, 9th century

Some Christians seem to think there are two kinds of history, two kinds of time. 

First, there is Bible time, and Bible history. Things happened in the Bible that were unique, and that we don’t expect to see happen in normal time and history, where we live. There is some truth to this view, mainly concerning what we should expect as to how God reveals Himself (cf. Heb. 1.1-3).

Celtic Christians believed that their own times were all of a piece with Biblical time and history. The quote above occurs at a place in Oengus’ homage to the martyrs where he celebrates two historical figures – Martin of Tours and Patrick – after 25 stanzas, worded according to this same pattern, of Biblical saints. The implication is clear: The God Who worked in time to deliver the saints and martyrs of history is still in the business of delivering His people today. His covenant, so powerful in its unfolding in Scripture, is still unfolding by His same power in our times.

The writer of Hebrews is, if anything, even more emphatic. After his listing of the saints of Scripture he makes it clear that the fullness of time, the consummation of the ages, was not during Bible time, but now, in the latter days, when God has begun to pour out His Spirit and bring the rich blessings of His covenant to full expression for His people.

There is no diminishing of divine activity during the times in which we live. Quite the contrary: God is more at work, more powerfully, and more widespread than He ever was in the days when Scripture was being given. His power to revive, renew, awaken, and bless lives is more concentrated and more effective today than it has ever been before!

But it takes faith to engage that power – the power of God’s Spirit – and enter into the exciting and dynamic unfolding of that covenant story by the covenant God.

Do you expect to know God’s power at work in you today?

Psalm 105.1, 2, 8-11 (Warrington:“Give to Our God Immortal Praise”)
Give thanks unto the Lord Most High; call on His Name, before Him cry!
Make known His deeds in every land; sing praise for all the works of His hand.

He will His covenant faithfully guard - His oath, the promise of His Word.
That which He to our fathers swore, He will perform forevermore!