Saved!

Saved!

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. Isaiah 25:8 KJV

As we take stock of recent events, today's extract is in sharp contrast to all we see and hear. We hear of deaths in hundreds daily, and there appears to be no coordinated effort to tame the monster. Not even the best economies are spared, and life has become such an odd commodity when it can be taken away in an instant. Yet, in the face of all these, God would have us pause and again consider who He is, what He can do and has done, and what lies ahead. 

First, his death and resurrection so many years ago sealed eternal life for me. It means that physical death or rapture, whichever one comes first, is just a translation of location into glory. Jesus went down into the grave, took over the keys to death and hell, and by that finished work on the cross, redemption has been completed and delivered. Nothing else can be added. 

Second, sin and evil make us cringe, and there are times we can do nothing about the spread of evil. However, as much as God gives grace, we strive to live above the dictates of sin, trusting God to help us live right. However, one day soon, all weeping will cease, when the power of sin and evil has been permanently dealt with. 

Third, it is not popular opinion these days to speak of these things. The world has become comfortable with what it sees and holds on to. However, for all who hold on to a different master, we know that nothing down here was built to last. It is not popular to claim allegiance to Christ, but then, the fact that all we see today will one day perish makes it clear that there is a need to critically assess what is truly important and pursue after these things. After all, what is the point of acquisitions and possessions, if they cannot save you in the day of God's wrath? 

And of course, if you would believe anything, you need to check out the credibility of the One speaking. The mouth of the Lord, the One who cannot lie or change his mind, the Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient God has spoken. Who else can speak anything contrary to what He has said or who else can counter what He has said? He has told us what is ahead, what is coming and how we can stay connected to Him, so we can enjoy what is offered. 

Now that you have again heard and read it, there is a need for action on your part. Now that you know what is ahead, what steps do you need to take to align, or what things do you need to address in your life so that you can remain rapturable? Don't forget: nobody is promised forever on this side of eternity. Whilst I wait for fulfilment of God's promises, I rely on His power and grace to help me walk in line with His will. Eternity is quite a long time that I just have to be sure where I will spend it. His time of favour is here.