2023_12_27 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Daniel 12
In our reading over the past several weeks, we have seen a theme that is important to hold onto: History is not random but fits into the plans God has had from the beginning of time. Knowing that we humans would rebel and be separated from Him, God launched the initiative to rescue all who would humbly accept His offer of redemption. The culmination of this plan is what we celebrate at Christmas with the coming of His Son, and His march toward His sacrifice that we honor at Easter. God has never abandoned the mission and He patiently is at work so that as many as possible will be saved. Some have mistakenly assumed that God isn’t going to do anything about the evil in the world, or that He isn’t able to. The Bible addresses this error, “But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.” 2 Peter 3:8–10 (NLT)
While we don’t know when history will conclude, we do know that at the right time, God will conclude His redemptive work and usher in a new heaven and earth. “…at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. 2 Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace.” Daniel 12:1-3 (NLT)
Rather than worry about the particulars, we need to be busy showing and telling others about what God can do in and through a life that is devoted to Him. We have his Holy Spirit living in us and therefore we have the spiritual capacity to live lives full of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) By doing this we are following Jesus’ example (see John 9:4) and doing our part to help others discover the Good News He came to give us. There is nothing more important than helping others find the new and eternal life God offers to all who accept Him!
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor