December 26

THE FINAL JESUS

Rev. 1:1-20, Phil. 2:10-11

Today is the end of this story, this season, this booklet.  They, too, have come to pass, but for what purpose?  What is God’s purpose in bringing about this and all things?  If we look at the phrase, “It came to pass,” literally, it means: It came for the purpose of passing.  It came in order to be over (to pass).  Huh?  Am I saying God’s supreme purpose in all of this was that it be over?  Yes, in a way, I am, because at the end of all things, good or bad, God will have the glory.

In Revelation, John sees the final Jesus in all His majesty and glory.  The whole purpose of Jesus’ sacrifice and all creation is to glorify God.  “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev. 4:11)  God’s word says that “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.”  (Phil. 2:10-11) 

God is glorified by the angels (in heaven).  He is glorified when we lay down our lives and follow Him (in earth).  He is glorified in His ultimate triumph over Satan and all who follow him (under the earth).  Whether we follow God or not, in the end, He wins.  We will all confess Him as Lord.  So the question to all of us is when will we confess Him as Lord?  Will it be now, so that we can spend today and the rest of our lives and eternity praising Him?  Or, will it be when we realize, too late, that He really is Lord of All—including us?

God loves you.  God loves me.  He desires that all of us share in His glory.  He has been merciful enough to sacrifice His Son to give us this choice.  He has been merciful that in all that has “come to pass” in His word and in our lives, He has been calling us to come unto Him.  When all things have come to pass, where will you stand? 

Lord, we thank you for all that has come to pass by your hand.  Thank you that you have given us a choice to share in glorifying you by laying down our lives.  Thank you for the gift of your Son, who opened the way to you.   Amen.

~ Karen Simcik