Resurrection, not the end

It’s the greatest story ever.

Jesus’s birth was the fulfillment of many prophecies and a most incredible miracle.

It was the beginning of the story.

His death and resurrection are often seen as the end.

But it isn’t the end, it’s only another amazing part of the story.

Because Jesus paid for our sins and defeated spiritual death, one can get confused that is all there is.

Instead, the Bible tells us that Jesus is still working.

John 14:1-3 NKJV — “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

Jesus will return!

He ascended into heaven, but the work on earth and in heaven is continuing.

Acts 1:7 NKJV — And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:9 NKJV — Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

Jesus gave specific instructions as to this work.

Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV — And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Not only was His resurrection a new beginning for the disciples, it was the beginning of the His truth being spread to the whole earth.

For those who have put their trust in Jesus, we can praise God both for His gift of salvation and for the faithful who have walked in Jesus’s instruction.

It’s also important to remember we too are called to share the truth of Jesus; His birth, His death, His resurrection, and His return!

Revelation 19:11-13 NKJV — Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for being our salvation and the hope we have. To know that Your promises are true, Your Word is good, and You are faithful, is such a comfort and blessing. Lord Jesus, I praise Your holy name! Thank You. Amen.

I wanted to share this Youtube link as it is one of my all time favorites:

That’s my king! https://youtu.be/upGCMl_b0n4

Over the fence

It was brief.

Just a few minutes of chatting.

I was on one side of the fence and they were on the other.

We could hear each other but not really see.

It blessed my heart, they inquired after my allergies.

Then asked about our church.

Just a friendly conversation.

But through it two truths surfaced.

“Well, when you’re as old as we are and have underlying health issues you wonder if you’re going to make it through this or not.”

My heart lept.

I actually wished they could see my face and read my feelings.

However, I knew my words were going to have to be my tool.

“Well, with my asthma and other health issues, I am in the category of ‘at risk’. My kids have been worried, asking me what we are going to do.”

“But I told them, God has the exact number of my days in His hand and nothing is going to change that. I don’t know how many that is, but I’m not going to worry. I’m just going to live life unto Him and praise the Lord”

There was a brief pause and then our conversation moved on to other topics.

But in my heart, I truly understand what was said.

There’s something very different about how one looks at life when you realize you are mortal.

There’s yet another change when you realize you may not have a future on this Earth.

That is the truth I heard in their words.

It’s a truth I’ve looked at as well.

Because none of us are guaranteed any allotted time here, but for some reason we assume we are.

When the truth, that no one but God knows the number of your days and you don’t have any idea how many that is, becomes a part of your every day perspective you have a choice.

You can choose to live selfishly and full of fear. Be consumed with trying to get all you can to protect yourself or do everything you’ve dreamed about before the ‘end’. Basically living like this world is the best there is.

Or

You can choose to live daily for Jesus and realize His plans for each of us is the best this world can offer, but through His blood it’s not the end.

Because it is not the end.

Heaven is waiting for those who believe:

John 3:16 NKJV — “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:17 NKJV — “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

I made the choice to walk with my Lord and be thankful for each day, no matter how many I have left.

Because like Paul I know this truth:

Philippians 3:20 NKJV — For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Today, my prayers are for those who have yet to make that choice and for those who have yet to realize the truth.

Dear Reader, only God knows the struggles inside your heart, but know that He loves you, deeply. He wants to comfort, guide, and speak truth to you. In these days of uncertainty, please take the time to seek Him. If you already know Him, take the time to praise Him! May God bless you, dear.