Author: Kerry

“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! The wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”
Revelation 19:6-9

The Bride of Christ

Ever since she was a little girl, she had dreamt of and longed for this day. For years, she had filled a scrapbook with all the things that would make her wedding day perfect. The white linen dress. The names of her bridesmaids. The gowns that her bridesmaids would wear. The color of those gowns. The flowers that would adorn the altar. The bouquet she would hold in her hands. The ever-growing and changing list of guests. The banquet to follow.

But now, as she stood at the end of the aisle, all those things faded into the background. In that moment, she forgot about the gown and the guests. She gazed past the bridesmaids and bouquets. All she could see was her groom standing before the altar. Her eyes locked onto his. Her heart swelled with soothing joy. She was blessed.

Even if marriage is not part of your or God’s plan for your life, God wants to bless you through the wedding supper of the Lamb. The Lamb, who is Jesus, wants to join with you and me in a perfect, eternal union, to be one with us, and live with us forever. He wants to care for us and shower us with eternal pleasures from his hand.

But are we a suitable bride? Soiled with sin, we wouldn’t be fit to be carried over heaven’s threshold. Still, Jesus wants us to be his. So, he gives us his love. On the cross, he piled our sins on himself and paid for them all. The blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. His perfect life covers all our guilt. We are forgiven and fit to be his bride.

Are you ready for the wedding feast? Invited by the Father and clothed in Christ’s righteousness, you are. Don’t let the worries and pleasures of life distract you. Keep dreaming of and longing for the day when Jesus comes and calls out, “Everything is ready. Come to the feast!”

Prayer:
Lamb of God, by your power and grace, keep me ready and waiting for your heavenly feast. Amen.

And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:17,18

Resurrection Reassurance

In a popular comic, Hobbes the tiger and his boy Calvin are careening down a hill in a red wagon. As they unknowingly speed toward a cliff, Calvin yells out, “It’s true, Hobbes, ignorance is bliss!”

Ignorance can be bliss. Not knowing about a problem means you are not worried about that problem. Being ignorant about a problem means you aren’t trying to fix that problem. You are blissfully unaware.

But, as the Calvin and Hobbes cartoon illustrates, being ignorant about something does not make it go away. And, sometimes, being ignorant can have catastrophic consequences—like riding your red wagon off a cliff.

Death is one of those things about which people like to be blissfully ignorant. They do not know what will happen to them after they die and prefer not to think about it. They are blissfully ignorant. But, being blissfully ignorant does not make the reality of death go away. It is something we will all face.

Thankfully, the Bible has some comforting news about what happens when we die. It assures us that Jesus died for the sins of the world and rose again. And he promises he will raise all of these followers from the dead when he returns on judgment day. And just as sin and death can’t touch Jesus’ body anymore, so Jesus will change our bodies. We will be without sin, pain, or any disability. “And so,” Paul concludes, “we will be with the Lord forever.”

When it comes to death, ignorance is harmful, but the Spirit-imparted wisdom of Jesus’ resurrection gives us eternal encouragement and good hope.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, because of you, I shall not die but live and proclaim what you have done. Amen.

I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. . . . My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Ezekiel 37:26,27

At Home With Jesus

There’s no place like home. That’s why we want to be home for the holidays. That’s where we want to be after a long day at work. Home is where we feel safe, and our hearts are at rest.

In the prophet Ezekiel’s day, the people of Israel were far from home. They were living in far-off Babylon. And it was their own fault. They had separated themselves from God by worshiping other gods and living for themselves rather than for him. So, God used King Nebuchadnezzar to invade Israel, rip them from their comfortable lives, and whisk them a thousand miles away to Babylon. Living as exiles, the Israelites learned a hard lesson. They longed to be at home with God.

Do you feel like your sin has put distance between you and God? The prophet Ezekiel has some words of assurance for you. God has made a permanent pact of peace with you. God knew that we couldn’t bridge the chasm created by sin. So, Jesus closed the gap for us. He loved God and us perfectly. On the cross, he suffered hell, the consequence of everyone’s sin. Because God raised Jesus from the dead, nothing can separate those who are in Christ Jesus from God’s love.

So, when your sins leave you feeling far from God, look to Jesus. Remember what he has done to rescue you from those sins. Remember that because of what he has done, God promises to dwell with you. And, one day, he will take every one of his followers home to heaven. And you can be sure there is no place like it!

Prayer:
Merciful God, you are mine and I am yours. By your Holy Spirit, make your home in me that I may rest in you. Amen.

Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor, . . . Shake off your dust; rise up, . . . For this is what the LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” . . . “Therefore in that day they will know that it is I who foretold it. Yes, it is I.”
Isaiah 52:1-3,6

God is Here

An old man sits hunched in the dust. His wife and three children huddle around him. Their vacant stares and tear-swelled eyes telling a tale of hopeless surrender. In his hand, the father limply grasps a lyre. His captors call for a joyful tune, but when he opens his mouth all he can produce is a song of lament: “By the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept when we remembered Zion” (Psalm 137:1).

Babylon had destroyed everything that Israel held dear and dragged them into captivity. Having lost hope of ever returning home, they were sleepwalking through life.

Still, they had reason for joy. They were God’s people. He hadn’t stopped loving them. He was with them. He hadn’t forgotten his promise to them. The long night would end. He would set them free and send them home.

What joy has been stolen from you? What sadness stings your eyes? We all suffer loss that leaves us slumped in the dust, sleepwalking through life, wondering, “Where is God?”

In our stupor, God speaks tender words of assurance. “Here I am,” he says, “Yes, it is I.”

God, who delivered us by his Son, Jesus Christ, is here. He, who strong-armed Satan and paid the debt of our sins on the cross, is here. He, who disarmed death and opened heaven’s gates for all who trust in him, is here. He has not forgotten you. He has not forsaken you. You are loved. You are forgiven. Heaven awaits.

Wake up! Watch for him in faith. Why surrender to sin? God arms you with strength in his Word. Why wallow in self-pity? God has purchased you for himself with the blood of his Son. Why sleepwalk through life? God will deliver you as he has promised. And when that day comes—when shackles, storm clouds, and shed tears are past—you will know that God is here and has the power to save.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when I am dismayed, be near me and deliver me. Amen.

“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. ‘Lord! Lord!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Matthew 25:10-13

Inside or Outside

Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins illustrates two different ways to approach the day Jesus returns to judge the world. One is to be prepared as the five wise virgins were. The other is to remain unprepared as the five foolish virgins. While both groups went about their daily affairs, the wise virgins made sure they were prepared no matter how long the wait was. The five foolish always thought they had more time to prepare.

The lesson is clear. I want to model my life after that of the five wise virgins. Mainly, this means giving attention to God’s Word. As I do, I will be reminded again and again that because of what Jesus did to save me from my sins, I can one day enter the “wedding banquet” of heaven. And, knowing this, I will want to live a life pleasing to him. And, rather than being distracted by the things of this world, I will keep one eye on the sky, looking eagerly for Jesus’ return.

When will this be? Only God knows. But we do know this: It could be today. So, live this day as if Jesus will appear on the clouds at any time. After all…he just may.

Prayer:
Gracious Savior, I know you are coming again in glory. Give me the strength of faith to prepare myself for that glorious day. Amen!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1

The Lord is Our Refuge

“Christianity is a crutch for the weak.”

This is the atheist’s argument against putting one’s faith in the God of the Bible. They argue that anyone who depends on anything other than themselves is feeble.

Medically speaking, a crutch is a tool the injured use for support. Only the wounded need crutches. But here’s the thing: somehow, someway, we are all wounded. We all need help. Some just choose crutches other than Christianity.

When we don’t feel good about ourselves, where do we turn for assurance? We have enough options to choose from: earthly goods, food, alcohol, drugs, money, work. The problem with many such crutches is that they offer only temporary reprieve and often only mask much deeper issues of the heart.

The heart of the issue is that we are all sinners in desperate need of saving. And the only one who has the power to help us is Jesus Christ. He took up our infirmities. He carried our sorrows. And by his wounds, we are healed.

God graciously allows us to go through hardship so that we seek the only one who can help. When we seek Jesus in our struggles, he finds us in his Word.

You say, “I’m too tired.” … Jesus says, “I will give you rest.”
You say, “I’m all alone.” … Jesus says, “I am with you always.”
You say, “I don’t know where to turn.” … Jesus says, “I am the way.”
You say, “I’ve had enough.” … Jesus says, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
You say, “I’m afraid.” … Jesus says, “My peace I give you.”
You say, “I can’t forgive myself.” … Jesus says, “I forgive you.”
You say, “I have my doubts.” … Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me will never be put to shame.”

One famous Christian named Saint Augustine, reacting to the sufficiency of Jesus, observed, “Lord, you created us for yourself. And our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.”

What was his point? Nothing satisfies like Jesus Christ.

Prayer:
God, you are my refuge and my strength, a helper who can always be found in time of trouble. I gladly count on you as my crutch. Amen.

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
1 Thessalonians 5:1,2

Like a Thief In the Night

Thieves don’t send you a “save the date” card in the mail when they are planning to break into your place and take things. They wait until you’re not home, or until they think you’re asleep. They often like the cover of darkness. The point is that they want to be unexpected.

It seems a little strange that God would compare himself to a thief. He says, “I’m not going to send you a ‘save the date’ card for the day Jesus returns to judge this world. You’ll just have to be ready for it to come at any time.”

God does this for a couple of good reasons. One reason is so that you are not taken in by charlatans who claim that they know the date that Jesus is returning for judgment day. Some of them are foolish enough to set an exact day, but more of them predict a year or a season, and if you believe them, you might be tempted to do some strange things in anticipation.

Another reason God does not tell us the date of judgment day is that he knows us. If we think we have time before something, we procrastinate. But if we know we have to be ready any time, we are moved to get our acts together.

How do you get your act together for judgment day? Repent, and believe the good news that Jesus is your Savior. Trust in him and not in anything that you have done for your salvation. Be sure to tell the people you love so they can be ready too.

Prayer:
Whether my death or judgment day comes first, Lord Jesus, keep me always ready for your salvation. Amen.

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Matthew 25:46

The Righteous Get Eternal Life

There is such a thing as eternal punishment. It’s for anyone who is not perfect. Heaven is perfect, and nothing unclean or impure will ever enter there. Eternal means eternal, so eternal punishment outside of heaven doesn’t just come to an end. It’s not a pleasant thought. Hell is not a pleasant place.

Hell is a place of eternal punishment prepared for the devil and his demons outside of the presence of God. Human beings don’t have to go there as long as they’re righteous. That means perfectly holy in every thought and action throughout life.

It’s a tall order. In fact, if you’re honest with yourself, you know you’ve already blown it. Even if you’ve never done anything majorly bad in the eyes of society, you know perfectly well you’re not perfect.

But God did not want you to suffer eternal punishment. So he sent his Son, Jesus, to live the perfect life that you could not live. Jesus was perfectly holy. His righteousness was complete and pure. Then, when he suffered the punishment that he did not deserve by dying on the cross, he declared that he did that for you. And through faith in him, he gave you his righteousness. God made the one who had no sin be sin for us so that in him, we become the righteousness of God. Jesus is the Lord our righteousness.

Now, on judgment day, through faith in Jesus, you will go right to eternal life in heaven. You have the righteousness of Jesus—not your own—as your ticket to heaven, and nothing can take that away from you.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness. You took on you what was mine and gave me what was yours. I will thank and praise you forever. Amen.

Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”
Matthew 25:34

Honor the Service

Today many countries celebrate their military veterans. Whether it’s called Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, or Veterans Day, it’s a time to honor all those who have served their country in war or peace, dead or alive, although it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices.

Christians honor Jesus for a similar reason. He was willing to sacrifice himself in order to win a great victory for us. Ever since the creation of the world, Jesus wanted us to live with him forever in heaven. It didn’t look good since we were going to be born sinful and could not enter a perfect heaven that way. But Jesus took care of that by being born without sin and then remaining sinless throughout his life until he sacrificed himself and took the punishment for our sin. He volunteered to serve in this way, even though he was King over the entire universe. That was quite a sacrifice!

Many veterans make the sacrifices they do so that their families and communities can remain in peace and safety. They know that peace is won in this world only with blood and sacrifice.

Jesus won peace for us with his blood and his sacrifice. He did all that so that he could say to us on judgment day, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Take your inheritance. Come with me to heaven. Live in eternal peace and safety.”

Prayer:
We honor your service for us, Lord Jesus, today and every day. Amen.

He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Matthew 25:32,33

Not to Worry

People worry about the day they will face their maker the day this world comes to an end. They wonder if a movie of their life will play, and everyone will see the bad things they have done. They wonder if they will have the right words to say when they are called on to give an account of their lives.

Jesus instructs people who believe in him not to worry about judgment day. He is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep, and he will not forget about them or abandon them. He knows precisely who his sheep are, and he promises to be with them all the way through the process of judgment day.

When Jesus returns in glory with his angels, he will sit on his throne and send his angels throughout the earth to gather up his sheep. Those who have died will have their souls reunited with their bodies, and their bodies will be restored, never to die again. Those who are still alive will have their bodies glorified, and then they will be picked by the angels to be taken to the place where Jesus is judging.

The angels will not confuse right and left. Those who trust in Jesus will be on his right, and he will give them eternal life. Those who do not believe in him will be on his left, and he will give them the eternal death that they deserve. There will be no movies and no long line of people guessing what the right words are. For those who are followers of Jesus, there will only be the relief of leaving a sin-filled world to spend eternity at the side of their loving Lord. No wonder there is no reason to worry!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are my Good Shepherd. Send your angels and guide me safely to your right hand on judgment day, then onward into heaven. Amen.