God's Day

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 "Evil's day is short. God's day is eternal." J.B. Chapman This saying really struck me this morning. Right now, I know of so many people who are suffering various types of afflictions. The death of loved ones, sickness, divorce, the rebellion of children, and needs that are desperate. All these things are part of a world that was never meant to be, but they are because of one terrible thing; sin. The entrance of sin through the rebellion of Adam opened the door for death, in all of its forms, to come upon us all. Very often, it seems like it is the followers of Christ who experience the most suffering of all. For such as those, Chapman's words can seem hollow. The pains of this fallen world will seem to be endless. What is the response of the one who has given their life to following Him? I doubt very much that I can give an adequate answer to that question, but I'll attempt to do so. I think we must start with knowing and believing that His eternal life is not merely a future hope. It is a present reality for those who are His. His eternal life has at its center His joy. Joy that witnesses to our hearts that evil's day is not final. That it will not triumph over us. That He is with us and that He will not leave us comfortless in the midst of evil. Most of all He assures us that evil will not have the last word. He does, and as someone said, His last word is always victory. I have always loved reading the words of those who have walked or are presently walking through the fires of suffering and pain. The common thread in all of it is the experience of His Presence and Life that they have in all of it. When Nebuchadnezzar had the three Hebrew youths thrown into the furnace of fire for refusing to worship him, he first ordered them bound so that they could not move. Yet the very flames meant to destroy them were used of the Christ who was with them to burn those cords away. Jesus Christ takes what evil means to destroy us with and turns it into that which takes us ever deeper into His life and freedom. What the enemy means for harm, God turns to good. For the believer, eternal life begins now, and there is no power on earth or in heaven that can destroy it. It enables us to bear the darkness with the light of His hope and joy. A hope and joy that can sing the words of the old hymn, "It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus. One look at His dear face, all sorrow will erase." Beloved, evil's day is short. His day is forever. Hold on to Him for He is surely holding on to you. Let your heart hold to the truth that it really will be worth it all....when you see Jesus. Blessings, Pastor O