Seeing that we are in the last days of 2011 I could not resist bringing up a topic which was probably the most resounding I had heard all year. I have heard it from friends, family and even radio personalities. I saying is "I cannot wait for the rapture."
I sit back and lament about this, those who have said it and even the reason for why it has been said. The truth is it is one thing I am very cautious to say because I must check my motives for what I say. If it does not fall in check with godly intent it will not fall from my lips. Trust me this does not mean I am super spiritual nor does it mean I do not say some foolish or insensitive things without thinking. It only goes to show that if I know the conscience intent of something I must weigh out the motive of what and why I am saying it.
Prime example, here are just a sample of some of the reasons for what I have heard just this year for Christ's return or the rapture/last days. The other day I had the radio on and the man speaking stated "I wish the rapture would happen already as I am tired of this nonsense with the election already." The quotes have gone from everything from wanting the rapture and the last days because of the loss of a family member, bad economy, loss of a job, tired of the circumstances of life and so much more.
Honestly if any of these things were my motivation for the rapture I am sorry to say but it is wrong. Truth be known, 2011 has been by far one of the worst years of my life as I look at it today. The reality is will I be able to say that ten years from now after God has opened my eyes just a little more on the situation and where He has brought me?
I love how Psalm 118:24 puts it; "This us the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
If we focus our attention on the discomfort of the state we are currently in our desire for Christ's true return has been deflected from bring God glory to that of our own selfish gain. This should not be!
So as the year comes to a close let me remind you the reason for Christ's coming. This is what is reassuring when we are reeling in pain of our journey.
" A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." John 10:10 (Message)
Seeing that the reason for Christ's coming is founded on that of having a more, better and eternal life should be the energy needed to enter tomorrow or even next year with the excitement of what God had in store for you. The truth is Christ's return has the exact same purpose for you in order to see God glorified through YOUR life. You are the beneficiary of a larger picture.
See it as a puzzle. Without the sum of the pieces the picture cannot be finished. If those pieces are not ready to be in place all is lost and the purpose is irrelevant.
So in turn, yes I long for Christ's return, for the last days and for the rapture, but I long greater for God's purpose to be fulfilled in my life and hear Him say "Well done!"
If you have lost hope or are worn out because of the beat down and battering ram of this past year let me leave you with a verse. The Psalmist continued in 118 with the following.
25 Save now, I pray, O LORD;
O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.
27 God is the LORD,
And He has given us light;
Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.
29 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
As we enter a new year let me say that this is my prayer for you. I pray that God will send you prosperity from His house, that you will realize His blessing and in turn praise Him seeing that His mercy for you lasts forever. Do not give up hope. God has been with you every step of the way this past year and is committed to be there every step of the way next year until He returns.
Be blessed this coming year!
CAL
No comments:
Post a Comment