Sunday, June 9, 2013

The Last Page

Please tell me that I am not the only one who has picked up a new book, read the first few pages, then in a move of nagging desperation, flipped to the last page to read the ending.

I have to admit that I have done this a time or two. This act of impatience begs the question: Why is it so important to know the end of something before it has even begun? Not to mention that most of the time, the last page rarely gives anything away. You have to read the pages in between the beginning and the end.

What a concept, right? It's right up there with opening Christmas presents before Christmas, re-wrapping them, and putting them back. Yes, I know people who do this. Let me re-phrase, I know adults who do this.

Recently, God has been whispering this to me - the message goes something like this; 

If, as Christians, we already know what happens "at the end of the book" (so to speak), then why do we live our lives worrying? Why do we live our lives fretting over how our stories are going to end when we already know that salvation is ours because of Jesus Christ?

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

This is a pretty simple truth that speaks volumes and it's not found in the beginning of the bible or the end, but more or less, smack dab in the middle.

Make this pact with me. Let's not burden ourselves with how things are going to end. Live in each moment as it arrives, taking as much as we can from it, and leaving nothing behind. Don't waste opportunities, and most of all, let's live our lives for God's glory, because Jesus died so that we could live. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Let's be an example to those who do not know God, or to those who are new to their faith, that He will take care of us. 

If by chance you haven't read the bible, I'd recommend it. It's a best-seller and it has a good ending. ;)