Anticipation
When we anticipate something good, we eagerly await its arrival. When we anticipate
something bad, we prepare for the worst and hope for the better.
We watch people prepare for hurricanes and other natural occurrences. We look
forward to the birth of our grandchildren. High school seniors look forward
to graduation, and all others look forward to summer vacation. The farmer looks
forward to the seasons of the year when planting and harvesting take place.
The rancher looks out for the needs of his/her livestock that does not know
to prepare for the future. Some people in a hurry anticipate a green light and
will soon see red (as in flashing lights).
In just about every anticipated event, there is preparation that needs to be
made before the time or event gets here. Just look at all the preparation the
officials took before the hurricane. Their purpose in preparation is because
they wanted to save lives and protect property. Individuals also had a personal
responsibility to protect their own lives and their own property.
In every walk of life, there are things we need to be prepared for. We anticipate
so many things, and in the end realize that our anxiety was for naught. So while
we may prepare for events to occur, it does no good to worry about them. Even
as we anticipate the time when rain will finally fall upon us, we have not added
a day or a moment nor lost any time whatsoever. The Lord warned us about being
anxious over things. Learn to let God take care of you, and provide for you.
That does not diminish our duty to our employer, or our family, or even to ourselves.
But when we learn to trust in God, a great burden is lifted from our souls.
Yet, there is an event heading our direction that is far more significant than
a hurricane or any season. It is more significant than grandchildren, or marriage,
or even the end of our lives. What we are talking about is the judgment to come.
This will take place the moment we die. Whether we die from natural causes or
in a tragic accident, we will face God on His Throne, and Jesus our Lord will
judge us. What standard will Jesus use? The Holy Bible that contains the words
of Jesus. Jesus said that His words would judge us in the end. Read John 12:46-50.
*For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may
be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether
good or bad*. 2 Corinthians 5:10
If you have not prepared for the end of your life, you had better do so promptly.
We are not promised a tomorrow. God has given us plenty of time to make things
right with Him, and most people abuse that time. Prepare for everything this
life has to throw at you, but most important is your preparation for the judgment.
We can help you prepare.
We know that God is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must believe
that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37).
You must repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), you must confess Jesus as Lord (Matthew
10:32) and you must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
Then you must remain faithful and continue learning how to serve God(2 Peter
3:18). Let us help you on your spiritual journey. May God bless you in your
study of His word.
By Carey Scott August 7,2011
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