Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 28, 2015
I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Revelation 1:18
We all live in a life or death situation. For the elderly, aged by life’s elements—death is more imminent. For others life is just beginning —youthful possibilities pulsate with enviable energy. Still others enter a new reality while battling a terminal illness. The truth is we are all terminal but for some, the window in this life is quickly closing. Whether facing the beginning of a full life, the ending of a full life or the real probability of a shortened life, we all need the Lord of Life: Jesus Christ. Only as we prepare for death are we really ready for life.
Jesus is the Living One. He is the Lord over the living and the dead. In the same way the Word [Jesus] became flesh and lived among us, so the Word [Jesus] became dead to live through us. Faith, without the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is only a shell of salvation—not real, only hollow heresy. Jesus holds the keys that unlock our spirit from the cell of our earthly body to become like His glorified body. Because Christ is the first and the last we trust Him in life and with death. We rely on the One who offers us grace for an abundant life and a victorious death.
“Just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:21).
Is death constantly calling on you or a loved one? If so, you have a friend in Jesus to walk with you through the scary shadows in front of death’s door. Here in your darkest hour is the loving light of your Lord. Let Him guide you by His grace to a good place. God’s good place is full of peace and assurance. As your tears freely flow—your heavenly Father freely bestows heaven’s endless aid on your earthly sorrows. If you bare your heart and soul—the Holy Spirit will bear your burdens. The prospects of death call forth the prospects of your faith and hope in Christ.
How can we make the most of our lives? Start by engaging Christ as the Lord of your life. Your submission to our Savior Jesus gives you the freedom to enjoy His life expressed through your life. Submission to God means we get under His mission. What is God’s mission? To make disciples, to love people—especially those difficult to love. The Lord’s purpose is for His people to share the gospel. Souls are justified by faith in Jesus so injustice can enjoy justice by an abundant life in Christ. In life or death we come alive when we surrender to the Living One: Jesus Christ!
“These are the words of him [Jesus Christ] who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again” (Revelation 2:8).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me to surrender my life issues and my fear of death to the Lord of Life: your son Jesus.
Application: Who do I know that needs to come to know Jesus as their living Lord?
Related Readings: Acts 2:24 ; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 15:43-53
Post/Tweet this today: Only as we prepare for death are we really ready for life. #WisdomHunters #lifeordeath
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