Living for that day

August 17, 2007

By Greg Ebie

Most people would agree that news headlines, whether global, national, or local, demonstrate the uncertainty of the world. What makes the news often happens by surprise and the outcome is unknown. For people prone to worry, the nightly news can ruin sleep or cause an ulcer.

But what I see and hear in the news from week to week tells me one thing I can be sure of: Jesus is coming again. That brings me assurance. The signs of the times all affirm our Lord’s return will happen sooner than later. Before we know it all believers will be with Jesus.

Paul focused on Christ during the days in which he lived. Like today, immorality and violence were prevalent. Persecution against Christians was increasing. Surely Jesus would come and rescue His people soon. With time racing toward an end, this was Paul’s prayer.

“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:11,12, NIV).

As we watch the final sands fall through the hourglass of time, we should make this our prayer also. We can do nothing to deserve being worthy of God’s grace; it is God who has chosen us to be like Jesus (Romans 8:29). Each day we should be a little more like our Lord. In this way His desires become our desires so that God will empower and equip us for every good work. Why will God do this for us? So that each day we will live less for ourselves and more for Him, giving Him glory in everything we do and say.

I’m not there yet, but I want to keep pressing on to be more like Jesus, to live less for me and more for the Lord each day.

Lord Jesus, until that final day comes, may our lives proclaim the good news that remains the same: You have come to our rescue. Make us worthy so that You are glorified in us.

D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.