Nougat 8

Please receive today’s Holy Nougat

“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:27-28 NLT

Maybe I am in the wrong circles, but even in the height of this pandemic; not many of us pastors have been emphasizing the need to make right with God. We have argued for and against the vaccine; and have even been burying many. But I don’t think we have spoken much about the state of our souls.

What if we were not to awaken on this side of eternity any day now, or we died suddenly (as has been the case with many recently)? Would we be found around God’s Throne? Or are we a bit uncertain about our spiritual status? We are reminded that death is not fully the end of the road for any of us. It is only the end of this existence in our current state.

If judgement comes after death; then the verdict could fall on either side of guilt. And, if found guilty of sin; the judgement is ‘death’; permanent separation from God. And while this might seem distant (as it might well be), our lack of knowledge about the When means we truly don’t have time to waste.

Likewise, we may find ourselves receiving a Not Guilty judgement. Whereas, it is not entirely about our efforts – it God’s gift to us who believe – receiving this gift requires input on our part. For we have to believe that Eternal Life is feasible with God, and receive the gift from God. And, if we believe, then our actions should reflect that.

We are told that one aspect of life around God’s throne comprises ongoing worship, and that is one thing we can practice doing already. The psalmist says that he blesses the Lord ALWAYS and God’s praises are a CONTINUAL aspect of life (Psalm 34). This is not restricted to the psalmist; but may be practiced by each of us. I believe that this poses a challenge for many of us, as we struggle with praising when trials come our way.

Additionally, some of us have become very complacent about our relationship with Jesus. Saints, this is time for deepening our walk, not for stepping back. It is time for sharing the message of God’s love through Jesus to others. Perhaps we have to count those blessings or ask God’s revelation of our true earthly situation. But we can’t take our relationship for granted.

Death is a guaranteed appointment for every single one of us. And so is God’s judgement. It is for us to accept the offer of Not Guilty. What is our decision?

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May all we seek be found in Christ