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2013-Another Year – part 1 – Week 1 / December 31st
We are now on the eve of a so called New Year; actually this will not be a new year but just “another year.” how then should we live? Most certainly another year designates for all of us a continuing opportunity to serve Jesus and the kingdom of God. It is therefore worthy of note that for Paul the coming of Jesus was very close and thus how much more for the days in which we live. We must never take the seat of the scoffer who discounts the soon coming of Jesus. The truth is we have another year, by the grace of God, to set our priorities straight and focus on the Lordship of Jesus.
To do this we should take another look at 2Peter 3:10-13:
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
We therefore note the following:
A. There will be an end
The events heralding the end are breaking in all around us all the time; so keep the pencil of your spiritual life well sharpened so as to be ready for it. Writing to the Church at Thessalonica Paul reminds his readers that the Holy Spirit will give them an understanding and knowledge of the day of Jesus coming. (1Thessalonians 5:1-4) Above all be assured of this; the present earth and all it’s works will be burned up!
B. There will be a right of passage
Those who go into God’s new heaven and earth will have to be compatible with His character. This is called godliness! And this can be attained to by the grace and ability given to us by Jesus. Jesus is the only “bridge” to a perfect new world wherein righteousness will be the hallmark of everything done and said there.
C.There will be a required attitude
That is; Jesus’ followers must focus their attention on their future destiny. This keeps them free from complacency and thus centered on the things that really count in life. The coming of another year provides us all with an opportunity to spend the days that are left to us making sure that our lives have significance. Hopefully we can therefore ensure that our days are well spent by bringing the love of God to all men.
To be sure the year now ahead of us will be just as dark, evil and foreboding as the last. Darkness will continue to cover the earth and Israel will face increased international pressure and antagonism. We must be a people of the word and prayer and fully clad in the armor of God. Our joy will not be found in ringing in the new year but in Jesus and only Jesus. So, having said all this may you have a very blessed 2013.
Malcolm Hedding.
©Malcolm Hedding Ministries
2013Devotional Blog