“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”
John 5:28-29 NIV
Every word is truth. What man could write this? It’s more believable that a man born in this world, lived a life like any of us, and could have the ambition to say or write this and not be of God? A person would speak of such a time as this? To tell people all they have to do is make the right choices here in this life and they will rise to eternity, and not be the words of God? No agenda, no back door deal, there’s no endorsement or anything taken from those that believe. What is the catch of such a bargain? That we have to love? Forgive? Be honest? Be happy for others and grateful for our own? To be mindful of others and help when we can? What benefit would man have in telling others to be such a light in a dark place? That to receive this, all we have to do is believe in Him. Only God can grant such grace to man. No man could write these words on paper without it being truth.
Now that this word is truth, what comfort it brings to know this truth. That by living a life that brings true joy, we will one day rise with Him eternally. Regardless of what happens it’s all for the glory of God, he may use us at times that are hard, we can’t see all the ripples our interactions have. Make a call to someone hoping to gain encouragement in that hard time and end up blessing them as well. “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; Neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” Proverbs 3:11-12 KJV. Our difficult seasons are meant to teach us and grow our faith. I ask myself what do I have to lose? If by submitting to God and watch how he uses my life for His glory, I will receive eternal life? Even during those hard times, it’s our wavering faith that makes those seasons tougher. He tells us to submit all worries and fears to Him. He fed five thousand with five loaves and two fishes, he healed with a touch, and gave sight to the blind. What are you going through that he cannot fix? It may not go the way we want and what we may lose here in this life pales in comparison of what we will gain, if we trust and believe in Him.
All Glory be to God. Thank you Jesus for showing us the way. I pray to continue to learn the truth that cannot be denied in Your word, and spread Your love that will save anyone who accepts it. Amen.
33 and a Third 