OUR ETERNAL HOME

Where is home?  Now, you may answer that by giving me an address where you live. In some cases, you might describe the place where you grew up. But, as a child of God, your real home is heaven—the New Jerusalem—our eternal home.  

Abraham got it, and so we read this:

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭8-10, 13‬-‭16‬‬ NKJV).

John describes that heavenly city in Revelation 21.

It is a place of NO SIN. “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” The old creation has been soiled by sin: heaven defiled by the devil and earth tainted by the transgression of man. Yet, God will dissolve the old creation and make a pure environment. Heaven is marked by holiness—as a virgin bride dressed in white—devoted fully to God. “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Rev. 21:1a, 2).  Only the righteous will live there, while the wicked will have been excluded and forever are in the lake of fire, (v. 7-8). 

It is a place of NO SEPARATION. The Apostle notes, “there was no more sea,” (v. 1b).  Remember that John was exiled on the prison island of Patmos—surrounded by the storm-tossed seas.  Those waves continually reminded him of his separation from those he loved. Sin separates us from God and each other. But, in our eternal home, there will be no sin and therefore, no separation! “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.’ “ (v. 3). 

It is a place of NO SORROW. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying,” (v. 4a). Death has come to the old creation as a consequence of sin. Our tears flow as we stand in a graveyard and say farewell to a loved one who has been snatched from us by the cruel hand of death. Yet, our hope is that one day the hand of God will reach over and wipe our tears away. Heaven will be a place of absolute happiness. What a day that will be!

It is a place of NO SUFFERING. “There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away,” (v. 4b). We must admit that in this world we can come to a place where we welcome death. Our sickness and suffering can be so intense, that as children of God, we may even pray for the Lord to take us home. No earthly doctor may have a cure, but the Great Physician will make us whole! We will get a new body that will not be subject to sickness!  

Here is the promise of God, “Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ ” (v. 5). There is a zoning ordinance in the New Jerusalem. You cannot construct a doctor’s office. You cannot erect a hospital. You cannot build a funeral home. No graveyards will be permitted. No tombstones will be set on the green hills of glory!

John goes on to describe the New Jerusalem’s illumination, (v. 9-11). It will be alight with the glory of God. There is its invitation, (v. 12-13).  The gates are wide open for there is nothing to fear. We read of its foundation, (v. 14). Twelve pillars bearing the names of the twelve apostles—a faith they delivered to us that cannot be shaken. Further, we have its construction, (v. 15-21). The measurements presented are enormous and the materials provided are extravagant. John also writes of its consecration, (v. 22-27). God Almighty and the Lamb are perpetually worshipped.

I am longing for home!

YOU ARE WORTHY, O LORD!

God alone is worthy of our praise. Heaven abounds with His worship. He is the Creator of all and the existence of all creation is not only by Him, but for Him. The Lord is the originator of all things and the object of all thanksgiving.

God alone is worthy to receive GLORY. Glory is the very essence of His being and the vocal expression of our blessing of Him. He is altogether glorious.

God alone is worthy to receive HONOR. He is the Most High and merits our highest praise. He is above all. 

God alone is worthy to receive POWER. Omnipotence is the theological term. God is all-powerful, for so the word means. He is the Almighty.

Our worship will be the order of eternity. So, on earth we are to rehearse for that heavenly chorus that we will join someday!  I pray that you reflect on God’s glory, honor, and power today, then on the Lord’s Day assemble with God’s people in His house to give Him the worship He desires and deserves. Thus, you will get a foretaste of Heaven!

THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

I have heard the last book of the Bible referred to as “Revelations.”  They mean that it is a book filled with various revelations concerning the end times. Certainly, there are those, but that is not the name, nor the theme of the book. It is “Revelation,” singular and the focus is on a Person, Jesus Christ. Hear the author himself, as he begins the book:

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,” (v. ‭1‬‬).

It is easy to become obsessed with the Antichrist, and miss the One in the Scriptural spotlight, Jesus Christ!  From start to finish, the Spirit of God moved John, the servant of God, to point to the Son of God.

The Apostle was overwhelmed by this manifestation of the Master, “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.’” (1‬:‭17‬-‭18‬‬).

From the lips of the Lord we hear of HIS ETERNITY, “I am the First and the Last.”  There has never been a time that He was not, nor will there ever be a time that He will not be. The Second Person of the Trinity is eternal and uncreated, without beginning or ending. He transcends time and is in control of it, rather than being subjected to it.  

Yet, that Eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us. So, He next speaks of HIS HUMANITY, “I am He who lives, and was dead.”  There was a moment is history when Christ took on humanity. The Infinite became an infant. The Son of God became the Son of Man that the sons of men might become the sons of God. The Sinless One hung on the cross and died as our Substitute, fully paying the price for our sins. 

But, that was not the end of Him or that would be the end of hope, as the Lord declares HIS VICTORY, “behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen.” The grave could not hold Him. Death could not defeat Him. “Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes!”  Because He lives, He can give those who trust in Him, life beyond death—victory over our “last enemy,” (1 Cor. 15:26).

The Risen Lord affirms HIS SOVEREIGNTY, “I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”  If you hold the keys, you have authority. He rules over the realm of the world of the dead, “Hades,” and even “Death,” itself, sitting above it. Christ is no more subject to death, but sovereign over it—and indeed over all. Our Lord is guiding all things to fulfilling His goal and for His glory. Hallelujah to the Lamb that was slain and the Lion who will reign!

COMMITMENT TO THE END

The Apostle’s commitment will be to the end, sealed in his own blood.  Here is his swan song—Paul’s last will and testament.

There are reflections on the past (v.7). 3 times, he reflects, “I have.”  Paul speaks as the soldier when he says, “I have fought the good fight.”  The old Gospel general has taken many a wound in his war with the world, the flesh, and the devil.  He has faithfully worn the whole armor of God and wielded the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God. Now, he will lay his armor aside and head for home.  The battle is over and victory has been won!  Paul speaks as a sportsman when he claims, “I have finished the race.”  It has been a marathon—a grueling race of endurance with many hurdles to clear, but now the finish line is in sight and he is sprinting to the tape.  The race is over and victory has been won!  Paul speaks as a steward when he asserts, “I have kept the faith.”  In his time, a steward was a household slave entrusted with his master’s possessions.  He was to manage them and invest them wisely, caring for the household. Paul had been entrusted with the faith—the body of Christian truth (ref. 2 Tim.1:11-14). The work is over and the reward has been won!  God help us to have this testimony in the end.  

Also, we hear a readiness in the present (v.6). Paul’s mind runs to his Jewish roots for an illustration—the pouring out of a drink offering on the altar as an act of worship.  His entire ministry had been a pouring out of his life for Jesus, the church, and lost humanity. The time for his departure from this world is close and he is not dreading it, but delighted in it!  Departure is a nautical term for boarding the ship, raising the anchor, and setting sail. Paul was boarding the Old Ship of Zion for a voyage to golden shores!

Thus, there was rejoicing in the prospects (v.😎. If we bear the cross, we will gain the crown!  Notice the reward is reserved for “that day”—the appearing of Jesus the second time. You don’t get the reward when you die, or you will get short-changed. Our influence lives on!  Only when time is no more will the final results be in and full reward be given. Not just for Paul, not just for preachers,  but “to all those who have loved his appearing.”  Do you love His appearing?  Are you looking up? Looking for Jesus? Living with expectancy and urgency?  Those who are most heavenly minded do the most earthly good.  Look up!  Live for eternity!

ULTIMATE FREEDOM

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.””
‭‭John‬ ‭11:25, 43-44‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Lazarus still had a problem. He had been summoned from death, yet he was bound in his grave clothes. He shuffles to the doorway of the tomb and Jesus commands, “Loose him, and let him go.” (John 11:44).

This body can become a prison, as we long for freedom.  I have eternal life as Jesus has summoned me from the graveyard of sin and death. Yet, each day I struggle with these grave clothes. This old body I dwell in is still subject to the bondage of the curse. But, one day, I will break out and soar!

The late Dottie Rambo used to sing it this way:

The holy hills of Heaven call me
To mansions bright across the sea
Where loved ones wait and crowns are given
When the hills of home start calling me

This house of clay is but a prison
Bars of bone hold my soul
But the doors of clay are gonna burst wide open
When the angel sets my spirit free
I'll take my flight like a mighty eagle
When the hills of home start calling me

I see loved ones over yonder
Tears are gone and hearts are free
And from the throne of my Savior beckons
And the hills of home are calling me

This house of clay is but a prison
Bars of bone hold my soul
But the doors of clay are gonna burst wide open
When the angel sets my spirit free
I'll take my flight like a mighty eagle
When the hills of home start calling me
Calling me
 (You can listen on the link below)

Are you afraid of death?  The reality is that you are going to die and after this the judgment.  Listen: “God…now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained, He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30b-31)
https://youtu.be/jXrL-Z44KHc

PORTRAITS OF GOD: THE SHEPHERD

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Ps.23:1).  

This is one of the most precious of portraits hanging in the gallery of God. The author, David, grew up shepherding his father’s flock. He drew from that imagery to remind us of how God cares for us. We are God’s flock.  How He loves His lambs!

We shall not want in life—The Shepherd feeds us in green pastures and leads us beside still waters, restoring our soul. The Lord always guides us on the right path, for our good and the glory of His name.

We shall not fear in death—He walks with us through that dark valley.  As we come to the end of life, the Shepherd that has faithfully been near will not abandon us then. He will bring us through!

We shall not perish in eternity—dwelling in the Lord’s house forever.  How long is that?  To be in a place of breathtaking beauty, and supremely, to be in the manifest presence of our Shepherd, safely in His fold—that is something to joyfully anticipate!

THE GOD WHO IS ETERNAL

"In the beginning God CREATED the heavens and the earth” (emphasis added).

God is before all things. When the beginning began, God already was. If He created all things, then He Himself is eternal and uncreated.  There has never been a time when God was not and will never be a time when He will not be. This deals with the false doctrine of naturalism—that creation essentially created itself.

God is above and beyond all things.  He is transcendent.  Although He is involved with His creation and present throughout His creation, as the Creator He is not in the creation in the sense of being in the rocks, the trees, the skies, the seas, even though there is no place you may go where He is not present.  This is a great paradox. This deals with the false doctrine of pantheism—that deity is one with the creation.

The Eternal God is the only one who can give eternal life, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).  Knowing about God isn’t enough, although we must know about Him. From the knowledge about Him, we must come to know Him, personally.  We can through Jesus. When we could not get to Him, He came to us.  This deals with the false doctrine of deism—that God is aloof from creation.

Now, have you come to Him by faith in Christ?

THE END: The Eternal State

Read Revelation 22.

I love the old hymn, “The Unclouded Day.”

1 O they tell me of a home far beyond the skies,
O they tell me of a home far away;
O they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise;
O they tell me of an uncloudy day.
Refrain:
O the land of cloudless day,
O the land of an uncloudy day.
O they tell me of a home where no storm-clouds rise,
O they tell me of an uncloudy day.
2 O they tell me of a home where my friends have gone,
O they tell me of that land far away,
Where the tree of life in eternal bloom
Sheds its fragrance through the uncloudy day. [Refrain]
3 O they tell me of a King in His beauty there,
And they tell me that mine eyes shall behold
Where He sits on the throne that is whiter than snow,
In the city that is made of gold. [Refrain]
4 O they tell me that He smiles on His children there,
And His smile drives their sorrows all away;
And they tell me that no tears ever come again,
In that lovely land of uncloudyday. [Refrain]

These songs grip my heart because there is that tug heavenward. For the child of God, that pull becomes irresistible, whether in death or the rapture, we will he heaven-bound.

Imagine a place where a clean, clear river of crystal water flows from the throne of God. Picture the tree of life, growing on that riverbank with its twelve different kinds of fruit. Visualize a place where ever vestige of the curse is removed. There is a rose garden—and the petals never fade and fall, and there are no thorns on the stem. The bees that buzz in and out can be taken in the hand and they won’t sting you.

There is Jesus in all His glory. We will worship Him, learn of Him and from Him.  “Then, He’ll take me by the hand, and lead me through the Promised Land. What a day, glorious day that will be!”

Where we spend eternity depends on what we do on earth. “God has given man a short time here upon earth, and yet upon this time eternity depends.” (Jeremy Taylor)  Jesus is coming soon. Be ready to meet Him!

THE END: The New Jerusalem

Read Revelation 21:9-27.

The Heavenly City is a place of breathtaking beauty. It is a place prepared for the people of God by the Great Carpenter—our eternal dwelling. Our restless souls will finally be at perfect peace—home, at last!

It is a place of love. It is referred to as “the bride, the Lamb’s wife” (v.9). What makes heaven to be heaven is that Jesus will be there. We will be with the Lover of our souls, the One who paid the price to bring us to Himself. We will be with our forever family, loving each other without an ounce of self-centeredness—fully fellowshipping in boundless joy.

It is a place of light. The glory of God shines in brilliance and the gems and gold sparkle and shine as they reflect and refract that Light radiating with glory.  “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.(v.23-24‬).

It is a place of life. Those who dwell there are “only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life” (v.27). The walls and the gates secure the righteous within, and shut the wicked out.  The city is a cosmic cube that is immense—over two million square miles. There is plenty of room for any who will come to Christ. Imagine that city of gold, teeming with life—the redeemed rejoicing in the Risen Lord!

Is your name on that city’s register?  Will you be invited in or locked out?

THE END: The New Heaven and New Earth

Read Revelation 21:1-8.

What awaits the people of God in eternity?  More than we can imagine!  But, we do have a glimpse at that glory in a number of places in Scripture. Arguably, none is more revealing than Revelation 21:1-8.

In eternity, God makes all creation new (v.1a, 5). Paradise was lost because of man’s sin, yet paradise will be renewed because of the Last Adam, Jesus Christ’s, obedience. Every square inch of His universe will be reclaimed, refined by fire, and regenerated. The pristine conditions of paradise will be restored, but without the Serpent to be found!

In eternity, God ends our separation from Himself and from our loved ones, as John saw, “And there was no more sea” (v.1b). For John, imprisoned and isolated on the rocky prison island of Patmos, the storm-tossed sea represented separation from those he loved. That’s coming to an end!

In eternity, the love relationship with God will be consummated with our Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus, bringing us into our new home, the New Jerusalem (v.2). It comes down from heaven to earth, that we may enjoy the blessing of our dwelling and the exploring of our estate.

In eternity, we will abide with God, basking in the joy of His glory—perfect satisfaction in His presence (v.3). The supreme wonder of eternity is to be in the presence of the King!

In eternity, all of the consequences of sin are removed because sin as a condition is no more—the curse being cured (v.4). No more tears to fall, no more funerals to attend, no more pain to endure, no more sobs and sighing to express—all sorrow and sickness banished for there is no more sin!

In eternity, we will be satisfied by drinking from a fountain of life that never runs dry and we will be safe by the exclusion of all who would harm us (v.6-8).  This is the attaining of fulness and the absence of fearfulness.

They have a zoning ordinance in the new heaven and new earth. You cannot build a hospital or funeral home. No tombstones will be allowed to be erected on those green hills!  None will be needed!

GLORIFICATION: AN OLD TESTAMENT PERSPECTIVE

Read Job 19:23-27 and Daniel 12:1-3.

There are three tenses in salvation.  There is salvation from sin’s penalty, a past experience of justification when a believer has come to faith in Christ.  There is salvation from sin’s power, a present experience of sanctification as a believer lives by faith in Christ.  There is salvation from sin’s presence, a promised experience when a believer’s faith becomes sight. It is the third dimension we will focus on this week: glorification.

We begin with an Old Testament perspective from Job and Daniel.  Because revelation is progressive—that is, God discloses truth in an increasing way as one moves through the Scripture—there is not as much about the promised glory of the resurrection and our life in heaven found in the Old Testament. The teaching, while not fully developed, is there, however.

What a hope it was for Job!  Imagine all this man suffered. He lost everything—except for the hope of glory!  Yet, he expected an existence where he would have a new body, in a new place, where he would not feel the pain and heartache of this world. He would not be a ghost, floating around, as he speaks of “my flesh” and “my eyes” being with God and seeing God.  The resurrection body will be a different type of body and yet a real body.

Daniel says more about the resurrection.  He points to the timing—in the last days of earth’s history and the return of Christ.  He writes of “many,” because this refers to “your people”—Daniel’s fellow Israelis—who will be raised following “a time of trouble,” meaning the seven year Tribulation Period. There are actually a series of resurrections—Christ being the firstfruits, then the dead in Christ at the Rapture, and now these Old Testament saints at His return to earth to reign. Lastly, the wicked will be raised.  The righteous will be raised with bodies suited for Heaven and the wicked with bodies designed for Hell, but for all people everlasting existence, somewhere, destined for reward or retribution.

Where will you spend eternity?

WHICH WAY?

Yogi Berra said, “When you come to the fork of the road, take it.”  Good idea.  But, which way?  Some will follow their own inclination. Others will yield to popular opinion. The wise submit to God’s revelation.

1.  MY DECISION WILL BE MEASURED BY GOD’S EVALUATION. “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.” (Prov.21:2). Our choice is important. Decisions determine destinations. The way that seems right may in reality be the wrong way. Let the Spirit of God direct you according to the Word of God.  This is our GPS. 

2. MY SPIRITUAL CONDITION WILL AFFECT MY DECISION. “The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right.” (Prov.21:8). Guilt will often lead us into the fog. We want to conceal our shameful conduct and so hide in darkness.  The result is that we stumble along in the wrong way, for we cannot see the right way. The way of clarity is for the pure.  They do not mind the light of truth shining brightly on them—there is nothing to hide.  Why would God show us more until we are willing to do what we already know?  

3. THE WRONG WAY IS DEADLY.   “A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.” (Prov.21:16). God’s way is the way of life, and following man’s way is the way of death. God’s revelation to Adam and Eve provided the light of life. Instead, they deliberately disobeyed—heeding the voice of the serpent and bringing death upon themselves and their offspring.

4. THE RIGHT WAY PROVIDES FIRM FOOTING.  “A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way.” (Prov.21:29). The wicked man can be fully assured he knows best.  He sets his face like flint. He stiffens his neck as steel. He straightens his back like a fence post. And he walks on rotten boards that will soon break. The upright man does not mind swimming against the current of the culture or walking into the wind of prevailing philosophy. Despite the difficulty of walking in God’s way, his feet are on firm footing.

Which way will you choose?  Your way, man’s way, or God’s way?

CAN I TRUST THE BIBLE? The Logical Rationale, Part 6

I cannot prove to you that the Bible is true if you do not want to believe.  There are still people who do not believe that man walked on the moon.  If you are willing to examine the evidence with an open mind, you will find plenty to lead you to believe that it is reasonable to trust the Bible.  Here are some more scientific statements in Scripture.

The Bible speaks of hydrology.

For He draws up drops of water,
Which distill as rain from the mist,
Which the clouds drop down
And pour abundantly on man.  (Job 36:27-28)

All the rivers run into the sea,

Yet the sea is not full;
To the place from which the rivers come,
There they return again.  (Eccl.1:7) 

Science calls this the hydrologic cycle and it is described in what is likely the oldest book in the Bible.

Related to this, Scripture touches on meteorology.

The wind goes toward the south,
And turns around to the north;
The wind whirls about continually,
And comes again on its circuit.  (Eccl.1:6)

To establish a weight for the wind,
And apportion the waters by measure. (Job 28:25a)

The fact that air has weight was proven scientifically only about three centuries ago.  We call this barometric pressure.  The movement and pressure of the air around us affects weather patterns.  The God who established these patterns knew what is a recent scientific discovery.

Furthermore, the Bible deals with paleontology.  Everyone wants to know, “What about dinosaurs?”  There were dinosaurs and some walked among men.  Two species are described in Job 40:15-41:34. It is interesting that in ancient cultures around the world there were legends of dragons and sea monsters.  Some might even insist there is still one hanging around Loch Ness.  These legends I am convinced are based in reality.  Job knew of such beasts.

Scripture also speaks to physics.  One such place is 2 Peter 3:10, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.”  In World War 2, the race was on to discover the ultimate weapon—to find a way to split the atom and release great fire and fury.  We did that and the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki happened less than a century ago.  Man has harnessed that energy for productive purposes, as well—and generates electric power by nuclear fission.  One day, God is going to split the atom in judgment, that He might reform the elements into new heavens and a new earth! 

These truths are meant to be more than informational—they are meant to be transformational!  The Word of God that speaks to the physical universe with clarity, can be trusted to speak to the metaphysical with confidence.  Science cannot.  The Bible does.  It tells us about heaven and hell—and that everyone of us will spend eternity in one or the other.  We are told that through faith in Jesus we can be forgiven of our sins.  His death and resurrection in this physical realm have made it possible to have eternal life in the spiritual domain. 

Scripture speaks to the will of God for the believer in this world.  Sadly, I will hear church members sometimes say, “I know the Bible says, but…” which is something we dare not say.  If the Bible says it, that settles it. 

The church must be faithful to the Word.  Is that true of the church you attend?  If not, then you should look for one that believes, preaches, teaches, and seeks to live according to God’s Word.  None will get it right 100% of the time—only heaven affords that kind of environment—but, we sure need to aim at that goal!

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

“Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!  (Revelation 22:20)

Tonight, around a million people will crowd into Time’s Square in New York City.  The ball will begin its descent on the final sixty-second countdown to the New Year.  10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 and the lights on the ball turn off at the stroke of midnight and the numerals of the New Year “2016” will be emblazoned high above Times Square. Horns will blare, people will yell, “Happy New Year,” and confetti will be released from the rooftops of buildings, creating a colorful blizzard.  But, did you know there is another countdown on?  It is the final countdown, when God the Father looks over to the Son and says, “Go get my children!”  I’m looking up, watching for Jesus to drop from the clouds, and what a happy eternity that will be!  I believe with all my heart that Jesus is coming soon!  Three times Jesus says in these verses, “I am coming quickly” (v.7,12,20).  Seven times, the word, “come” or “coming” is used.  How then am I supposed to live in light of this?

I need to become a servant (v.6-9).  In verse six, God’s people are called, “servants.”  When Jesus comes, He is to find us busy, occupied with Kingdom work.  

My service is directed by the Word of God.  The words of the Revelation are declared to be, “faithful and true.”  That is the case with all the Word of God.  It is a solemn warning, because the last days are marked by a great departure from the faith.  In our day, entire denominations and churches are rejecting the authority of Scripture.  But, there is a  blessing for those who will be faithful and true to hold and heed it (v.7).  

My service is offered in the worship of God.  Not even this holy angel was worthy of worship.  A perverse spiritualism that has invaded America—even among Christians who are obsessed with angels rather than God.  Thank God for angels and their ministry to us, but Satan masks himself as an angel of light (2 Cor.11:13-14).  Muslims and Mormons have been deceived by angels (Gal.1:8).  Let us not fall prey to deception, but worship God alone!

I need to behave as a saint (v.10-17), set apart to live a holy life for God.  We ought to confess that we follow Christ.  Don’t shut up the Book, but share the Gospel!  It is time to tell people about Jesus.  John had seen the horror of hell and the happiness of heaven—and wanted us to tell about it.  We are born in sin, but we can be born again as saints.  Yet, this opportunity is for our lifetime.  There is no second chance beyond the grave—no purgatory.  You can’t straddle the fence.  When God weighs you in the scales will you be solid and summoned inside (v.14) or seen to be a sham and be shut outside (v.15)?

I need to embrace that I am a son (v.18-21).  Those born into God’s family are children of the King!  Every child needs the wisdom of a loving parent to guide them to get ready.  God has written down that wisdom in a Book to guide us. Then there is grace to lead us home!

In the first book of the Bible, God said to Noah, “Come into the ark.”  God spoke and Isaiah wrote it down, “Come now, let us reason together…”  Jesus invited, “Come you who are weary…” and now the last invitation is given in Revelation, “Come.”  Have you?

OUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.  (Psalm 90:12)

Our days are numbered—we just don’t know the number for certain.  Only the Giver of Life does.  He has said, however, that an average expectation would be 70-80 years (Ps.90:10).  Even so, Moses—the author of Psalm 90—states that the years will race by and all too quickly we “fly away.”  A wise man is one who contemplates the brevity of life and the gravity of eternity.  Now, Moses was exceptional—living to be 120—yet, he died.  These words seem to carry an even greater weight when we realize they are spoken by such an “old-timer.”  If he felt that life was too soon at an end, then how much more will we who in a few rare instances may make it to 100—though it may be that none who read these words will.  Since our days have been counted already in the all-knowing mind of a Sovereign God, then we ought to make our days count for something worthy—that will stand the test of eternity.

Every generation needs to run to God for refuge (v.1).   Mortal flesh can cast itself on the Eternal God.  He has created all things—including us—for a purpose, and when we discover that, and pursue it, then we can fill our limited time with meaning (v.2).  We can build a heritage of faith that will outlast our days on earth (v.16-17).  

Death is coming for us all (v.3).  That specter may lurk around the corner, ready to seize us with icy fingers before this day concludes.  We are like broken branches in a river at flood stage, swept away by the current of time (v.4).  We are like grass in the field, green and growing, then the Grim Reaper cuts us down with his scythe (v.5-6).

Death is all about us, for we live in a world under the curse of sin (v.7-11).  Even the best of people have succumbed to iniquity—and the wages of sin is death (Rom.3:23; 6:23).  We enter the world with a cry and we exit it with a sigh (v.9).  How appropriate—for this life is full of burdens and sorrows (v.10).

This could lead us to deny reality—to fight against it with Botox, silicone, facelifts, tummy tucks, and all the rest.  We can dye our hair and even replace it when it falls out, yet we are only fooling ourselves if we think that our deadline with death can be evaded.  Such troubling thoughts may drive some to seek to fog the brain with drugs, alcohol, accumulating material possessions, and experiencing carnal pleasures lest they contemplate their end.  That is folly—not wisdom!

The wise man embraces his mortality and sets his heart on preparing for eternity (v.12).  The man of God (the title affixed to Moses in the superscription) and the woman of God, as well, is driven to seek God with urgency and find the compassion He offers (v.13).  We will never know satisfaction in this life apart from Him—and the experience of His mercy (v.14a).  The sooner we seek that the better off we are.  God’s people are not immune from grief, but they find great reasons for gladness (v.14-15).  Our brief sojourn on earth can be a testimony of God’s activity and redound to His glory (v.16).  The work done for Him is of eternal significance and an enduring heritage (v.17).

Our days are numbered—let us make them count!

MONEY MATTERS

And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”  (Luke 12:15)

Money matters.  Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  How we spend our money is a barometer of how much we value eternal things.  Our earthly portfolio may show plenty, while our eternity portfolio reveals poverty.  Jesus told about a man who had a bumper crop, but a bankrupt soul.  He had the wrong aim in life.  Do you? 

This is A SELFISH APPROACH TO LIFE (v.16-18).  The man had “I” trouble.  “What shall I do…?” he asks.  How about stopping your plans and giving praise to God from whom all blessings flow?  What about looking at others instead of yourself to find out if you can supply a need rather than serve your greed?  Let’s be clear at the outset—this story is not about having possessions, but about possessions having us.  Job was a rich man, but a righteous man.  Abraham was one of the wealthiest men of his era, but also rich in faith.  It’s not sinful to be successful; it is sinful to be slothful.  We can glorify God in our work on the job as much as in our worship in the church.  God may bless us so we can bless others!  We might read this story and think that all investment and retirement plans are evil, yet Scripture extols the industry and intelligence of the ant that plans for the future by working today.  The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.  This story was in response to a man who wasn’t wealthy, but wanted to be (v.13-15).  Covetousness is a heart problem.  The poor may be anxious about what they don’t have and want to get it and the prosperous about what they do have and want to keep it. 

This is also A SENSUAL APPROACH TO LIFE (v.19).   We live in a physical body that is designed to function in a material world.  We do so through 5 senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.  These stimuli send messages to our brain resulting at times in feelings of pleasure and other times pain.  The problem comes when we think that the material world and the physical senses are the sum total of life—to feel all the pleasure we can and shun all the pain we can.  But, we are more than physical forms—we are spiritual beings.  When this life is over, we will spend eternity somewhere.  Where?  That’s the question!

Furthermore, this is A SENSELESS APPROACH TO LIFE (v.20-21).   “Fool!”  That is God’s judgment—and what a horrible one!  The world’s evaluation may differ greatly—they may celebrate and commend people like this fellow—but, only God’s evaluation matters in the end.  “Whose will those things be?”   Egyptian tombs have been found containing fabulous wealth.  Per the deceased’s instructions, it was buried with them so they would have it in the afterlife.  When the tomb was opened it was found that they left it all behind.  We all will.  You can, of course be “rich toward God.”  That happens when you invest in the things of eternity!

The first riches we need are what Paul called in Ephesians, “the riches of His grace.”  If we don’t have that we are fooling ourselves that we are prepared to meet God.  The riches of grace experienced should move us to share those riches with others.  God blesses us to be a blessing.  Money matters!

INVESTING IN ETERNITY

After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.  (Matthew 25:19)

When you are investing for the future, ideally you want the safest investment with the highest return.  That is a hard combination to find in the financial world.  Typically, something safe produces little return, and something that promises a high return yields great risk.  Jesus told us of the best investment—one that is absolutely safe and the yields are “out of this world!”  Investing our time, talent, and treasure in the eternal will pay eternal dividends.  He taught this many times, but the focus of this study is the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30.

In this story, the servants had a responsibility to invest the master’s wealth.  The money was not theirs—it was his—and there would be a day of accounting for their stewardship.  In that day, all else they had done would pale in comparison, to the moment when they would be summoned before their lord.  Surely, the meaning is clear.  We are like those servants.  All we have belongs to God.  To invest the precious minutes God gives, the valuable money He grants, and the special abilities He bestows on this temporal world is foolishness.  What will matter is investing in eternity.

Each servant was asked to do what he or she was capable of accomplishing.  They were entrusted with varying sums according to their master’s will.  God never asks us to do more than we are capable of accomplishing.  We are not in a competition with other servants, but to be the best servant we can be as God has distributed opportunity.

We discover that excuses are not acceptable.  Each of us is accountable.  On that day when we stand before God, what will matter?  It will not be the size of our house, the speed of our car, the style of our clothes, the sparkle of our jewelry, or the success of our business.  The discussion will not be about how many fish we caught, deer we killed, putts we made, shoes we bought, TV shows we watched, vacations we took, or hobbies we enjoyed.  I am not saying any of those things are evil, in and of themselves, but if we live for them, and are consumed with them, we will regret it at the Judgment Day.  I have quoted this at many a funeral,

“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past;

  Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

They say about money, “You can’t take it with you.”  The truth is you can send it on ahead, by investing it where thief cannot steal it, tarnish cannot dull it, and moths cannot eat it (Matt.6:19-20).  Our income is a blessing of God, and He expects wise investment.

We are blessed by the Creator with a unique blend of personality, capacities and abilities at birth.  In our second birth, we receive a select mix of spiritual gifts.  These are bestowed so we can be employed in God’s service.

The Lord has established a fixed amount of time for us on earth.  Our days are numbered and the Bible tells us to be, “redeeming the time…” (Eph.5:16).  To redeem means to exchange our days for that which is most valuable—the things of eternity.

One servant wasted his life.  He operated in fear of loss, rather than in faith.  The frightening possibility is we may stand before God without faith, and be cast out!  “We practice daily what we truly believe.  All the rest is just religious talk.”  (Peter Lord)

WHAT THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING NEEDS

 

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,

Before the difficult days come,

And the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

John Phillips tells the story how a spider descended on a single thread from a barn’s lofty rafters.  He wove his intricate web near a window.  It was an excellent choice, with many flies buzzing around, providing the spider opportunity to get fat and prosperous.  One day he noticed a stray strand reaching up into the darkness.  Forgetting its significance, he snapped the thread.  Instantly, his whole world collapsed.  That is what happened to Solomon.  In his youth, he maintained his connection with God—a strand reaching up into the unseen.  Then he grew prosperous and forgot the importance of that connection.  He cut the lines of communication with the Lord and his whole world caved in.  Ecclesiastes is a tour of the wreckage of a man who made shipwreck of his faith—a sermon from the lips of a foolish old king. 

This message begins with THE AUTHOR (1:1-11).  Solomon expresses such cynicism and despair.  Could this possibly be the same Solomon, who asked God for wisdom to govern?  Who constructed the temple for worship?  Who prayed such a magnificent prayer that the glory of God filled the house of God?  It was and it wasn’t—biologically he was the same person, but spiritually he was not.  His life was full, yet his heart was empty.  There is a God-shaped vacuum in every heart—a hole in your soul—that only God can fill.  Everything else is futile (v.2).  Solomon presents life from the perspective of a man “under the sun” (v.3).  We cannot make sense of life unless we view it from heaven’s perspective.   

Next, consider THE ACTIVITY (1:12-2:11).  Solomon tried to fill the hole in his soul, but he looked in wrong direction: “under the sun”—from a worldly viewpoint. He tried to fill his life WITH LEARNING (1:12-18).  Education is fine, yet it can lead to pride, “Knowledge puffs up” the Bible says.  Solomon tried to fill his life WITH LUST (2:1-2).  Solomon knew how to party hearty, but the next day he was still empty.  He had a thousand women—beautiful, exotic women, yet the sensations quickly faded.  He tried to fill his life WITH LIQUOR (2:3).  This foolish old king forgot what he had written (Prov.23:29-35).  Alcohol may take the edge off the pain, but when you wake with a hangover, then what?  He tried to fill the void WITH LABOR (2:4-6).  Many try to find fulfillment in their work.  How terrible it is to climb the ladder of success only to reach the top and find it was leaning on the wrong wall!  He tried to fill the hole WITH LUXURY (2:7-8).  He was the richest man who ever lived, yet that did not make him happy.  Happiness was as elusive as trying to grasp the wind (2:9-11). 

Now, we come to THE APPLICATION (12:13-14).  Solomon has come full circle—he has learned from his errors and now will help us.  REMEMBER YOUR CREATOR (12:1-7)  Now is the time—life will rush by like a leaf driven by the wind.  All of us have that appointment with death.  REVERE YOUR CREATOR (12:13-14).  After death it is too late for the sinner to be saved.  It will be too late for the Christian to make a difference.  Live on earth for eternity—that is wisdom!

BE PREPARED!

 

as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.  Every valley shall be filled And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough ways smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ” (Luke 3:4-6)

 

Do you know the Boy Scout motto? 

 

Since 1907, Boy Scouts have been learning and living by the motto, “Be prepared!”  That’s a great motto.  In fact, it should be the motto of every person. 

 

The message of Scripture can be summed up as, “Be prepared!”  The Old Testament prophet, Amos warned, “Prepare to meet your God!”  (Amos 4:12).  The New Testament prophet, John the Baptist, came with the same message of urgent warning.  The prophet Isaiah centuries before said this would mark John’s ministry, “Prepare the way of the LORD,” (v.4). 

 

Are you prepared to meet God?  There is not a more important consideration for this life than making preparation for the after life. 

 

Let’s make sure.  It is deadly serious business.  It is the difference between an eternity of peace or an eternity of pain.  Heaven or hell? 

 

The difference is in one Man—Christ Jesus—and a personal relationship with Him.  If you haven’t received Christ, then you are without hope.  Don’t live another day in that condition!  Trust in Him and turn from your sin by repentance and faith.  Then you will, “Be prepared!” 

 

THE HOPE OF THE COMING OF CHRIST: WHAT GOD WILL BE FOR US

“I will be his God and he shall be My son.” (Revelation 21:7) 

Our future hope is rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

If we have such a relationship GOD WILL BE OUR FATHER.  This is the promise of sonship (Rev.21:3,7).  The question may be asked, “Aren’t we already God’s children, when we trust in Jesus?”  Of course—but there is more to come!  Look at this:  “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”  (1 John 3:2)   It is the difference between a little child and an adult child coming into his inheritance.  At salvation, we are born into God’s family, and then in sanctification we grow to look like our Father, until in glorification we become heirs with our Elder Brother, Jesus (Heb.2:11)!

This relationship with Christ also means GOD WILL BE OUR COMFORT. This is the promise of solace.  “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev.21:4)    The key phrase is, “no more,” as in never again! 

·        No more tears.  Even Jesus wept.  But after His resurrection He asked Mary, “Why are you weeping?”   God will reach over and dry our eyes in that joyful place called Heaven!

·        No more tombstones.   Cemeteries are against zoning ordinances in heaven!

·        No more trials.  All sorrow and suffering will be forever over.

·        No temptation.  We won’t even have the capacity to sin.  Imagine, never grieving God again!

Furthermore our relationship with Christ means GOD WILL BE OUR FOUNTAIN.  This is the promise of satisfaction.  “And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.’” (Rev.21:6)  Jesus identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega—first and last letters of Greek alphabet—the A-Z and everything in between!  God will be our all in all—the satisfaction of the thirst of our soul!  Augustine noted, “Our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in you.”

Each of us will spend eternity somewhere.  If you are not going to abide in heaven, you will dwell in hell.  Here are surely the most grievous words of Scripture:

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.   The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.  Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Is your name written in the Book of Life?  If not, I beg you to trust in Jesus today!