Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14 KJV
The writer of the book of Hebrews is not known, but there is no doubt that the lessons in the book touch on all aspects of human life. Chapter 12 starts with lessons on discipleship and discipline, and the importance of these concepts to my life as a child of God. The same chapter then charges me to watch my life's pursuits and priorities, so that I can end well. First, there is the important directive to FOLLOW. To follow someone or something is to recognize that person or thing as an authority over my life. If I do not accept Jesus as Lord, Master and Saviour, I do not have any incentive to follow Him. If I do not have the Prince of Peace as my leader, there is no way I will follow peace. It also says follow, not lead. I do not know what is ahead; God does. The best use of my life is to follow after the One who knows the right way, and who can lead me to the right end. Do I really know this author of peace?
Am I following, or have I arrogated the power of leadership to myself? Am I my own master and guide, doing as I please, without any accountability to anyone else? It is very important to pause here and consider my life in the light of God's Word, as I cannot shortchange the process. I cannot pursue after my own theories and principles, and then imagine that by magic, everything will turn out the way God planned it. We seek to do our own things, and then claim that God knew it would happen after all. God's omniscience is His nature; it does not take away my own responsibility to find out and do what is right. I also note that this following must be of peace and with ALL men. This is where hard choices are made: God expects those who are His to follow peace with everyone, irrespective of the person's reaction to me. Can I genuinely love someone who is actively seeking my hurt?
These are the times that prove the quality and sincerity of my faith. It is easy to love those who have proven themselves to be lovable, but what of those who have not? When I consider my own journey, can I say that I have merited the love of God that I have also received? If I know the value of what I have received, I do not need to be compelled to show it to other people. That which has been birthed in me must flow out to touch other people. It is not about them deserving it; it is about what I have in me. Each gives what s/he has. It is also important to note the AND linking the pursuit of peace to holiness, which we also do not really talk about much these days. It seems that we have assumed that God has lowered His expectations for our generation, but let it be known today that no matter how much sin is popular, it can never lower or change the wages, which is death.
We are called to live holy lives, and as today's extract says, without which no man shall see the Lord. It also appears to me that both peace AND holiness are joined together in the pursuit of that good end that the extract for today speaks about. This earthly life will not continue forever, at least, not in this form. At some point in time, either at physical death or the return of Jesus, eternal life starts. My preparation down here is my daily pursuit: what are the things that take my time and attention now? At the end of this earthly life, all men will stand before the Holy God for judgement. You cannot afford not to see God at the end of this life? Not seeing God means that while on earth, I had no regard for his instructions or directions. Not seeing God at the end of my earthly life means that I really wasted the earthly life I was given. What do I need to do to get it right?
The first and most important step is to surrender the control of my life to the Prince of Peace- Jesus. No one else can give you the peace that makes sense. There is a limit to possessions, power, position and privilege; only the presence of God can give you that which lasts. When I have totally surrendered, I now have the supply of grace that enables me to live right here on earth. As I live right down here, I am working towards the right end. I note that this combination impacts both God and men. I cannot be so focused on eternity with God that I fail to impact men's lives, and I cannot also focus on pleasing men while displeasing God. The grace to do both well is only available in God. He has given it in abundance and to the end of my life on earth, I am guaranteed this fresh, daily supply of grace. I encourage you to seek the help of God to live right, and to end well. God's time of favour is here.
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