The End of the World is Here! (Advent) - Thursday, December 28
The End of the World is Here! - Thursday, December 28
"I assure you: anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment
but has passed from death into life."
John 5:24 (HCSB)
We have all seen the popular characterization of someone standing on a street corner, holding a sign to warn passersby that the end of the world is imminent. I don’t suggest that the guy holding the sign is using his time constructively, but, we are reminded in these days after Christmas, not only of Christ’s first coming but of His return as well.
While it is important for us to keep this in mind, we also need to remember that life with Christ does not start when He returns or when we die. It started the moment God gave us faith to believe His Word. In other words, life with and in Christ is right here and now! This isn’t the end but the beginning.
We are privileged to see God’s work in bringing people from death to life in Navajo, New Mexico. Today’s verse is prominently displayed on a banner that hangs in our fellowship hall. It serves as a call to everyone that God is offering life and salvation now.
We welcomed two children into God’s family through the waters of Holy Baptism this past Easter, and we have also welcomed members of the community, harassed by alcoholism and violence, into the family of God. The truth of God’s Word is very clear in these situations: Life with God is not some future event, but it starts the day faith comes.
The Good News that Jesus has already paid the price for our sins and paved the way to God is very clear in this verse. We often get stuck between yesterday and tomorrow, either looking back or looking forward. This verse reminds us God comes to us in the here and now, in the form of a baby, and all that we need to focus on is our life in Christ today.
Gracious God, I thank you for giving me faith in my Lord Jesus Christ, and through Him, I have crossed over from death to life today. I ask that you would help me to take one day at a time this coming new year, and focus on your love for me here and how. In Jesus’ name, Amen.