‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4 NIV
The Inspiration:
Today's verse is taken from the last book of the bible, which speaks extensively about the end of all things as we know it today. The book tells us all about heaven, as well as the expectations of God from all who seek to live there with Him. He does not hold back any information that can be of help to me on how to live right so I can end well. He tells me who He is, what He wants, when he wants it and how he wants it from me. The standard of holiness runs through the entire book, and it is quite clear that anyone who does not live by the standard will not get in. Let it not be that I was not told; God has made it absolutely clear what is coming, and I cannot plead ignorance at the end. He also tells me what the fate of those who miss it at the end will be: it is a life of eternal regret. Now, I have all necessary information I need to make the right decision. God waits for me; in fact, there are eternal consequences tied to whatever decison I take, whether it is for or against God.
The Contention:
Today's verse tells me some of the things I stand to gain if I make up my mind to follow God. God promises to wipe away every tear from my eyes. Life is full of trouble, and it is almost impossible not to have tough times as a human being. There is the pain of sickness and disease, as well as the uncertainty and anxiety that the unknown tomorrow brings. I can make the best plans and lay the 'right' foundations for success, but what is the guarantee that anything will work well? As hard as it may sound, sometimes death is the release that someone may need in order to enter into the rest that God has prepared. No matter what lies ahead, it is clear that it is best to go on that journey with God. With Him, even pain is a blessing. There is nothing that God cannot use to glorify Himself or to make men fear and worship Him. He is in charge of all creation, and everything He has made answers to Him, even the devil. What excuse do I have then, not to surrender to this God?
The Conclusion:
The new order is coming; one day soon, death and pain will have no power over those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus. For now, due to sin, the world seems to be under the control of the evil one, but for all who are owned by God, there is a bright future to look forward to. Everything that belongs to the old life, or this earth will one day pass away, never to return. All the gold and silver that the world celebrates today will melt and burn with fervent heat, but for those who have washed their robes in the blood of the lamb, salvation is sure and sealed. At that time, it will be too late to reconsider your ways; now is the time to be sure of where you will spend eternity: with or away from God. There is not much time left to waste, as events around the world show that the return of the Lord is at hand. Eternity is too long a time not to be sure of who you will spend it with. He's done, and He is still doing all He can to make sure I am safe forever. The decison is mine to make, and His help is available. God's time of favour is here.
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