REVELATION 22:1-5 – Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”

THEME OF THE DAY:  WHAT A SIGHT THAT WILL BE!  Today’s scripture is the beginning of the last chapter in our Bibles. In it, we find God unfolding eternity as the land of no more pain, death, and suffering. Gone forever will be the cause of all our troubles – sin.  We will be near the throne of God, the Lamb of God, and sharing in the glorious privilege of eternal worship with other believers. Add to the indescribable picture painted, what the Apostle John writes. . .They will see His face” (Revelation 22:4).

As Christ’s people, we know this is our future and we rejoice in what lies ahead but does this future certainty have significant impact in our daily living? If we truly believe it, then it will. It must and especially coming face-to-face with Jesus.

Let this staggering truth provide perspective on all that is happening in our world and lives; we are one breath away from being face-to-face with the Lord Jesus. The very next second we may well be in the Presence of our Holy, Holy, Holy God. This reality should shape our attitude toward everything in life – suffering, trials, material things, investments of our resources, use of our time, and more importantly, our obedience to His Word.

One of the dominant themes in our New Testament is the coming of Jesus. All the writers draw our attention to His appearance and in doing so, they urge a steadfast watchfulness for that great event.  The Apostle Peter is one example –  Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot (1 Peter 1:13-19).

Do we notice the impact Peter states that thinking on seeing Jesus face-to-face has in our Christian lives? It weans us from sinful passions, promotes holiness, deepens our fear of the Lord, and reminds us of the price Christ paid for our salvation.

So, one second away, one breath away from the sight of all sights – being in the Presence of the Lord Jesus.  Yes, it is a future event but it has significant present day impacts in our lives, or I should say, “Present second impacts in our lives.”  May it be so!

PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for a salvation that will bring me forever into Your presence with joy.”

QUOTE: “Face-to-face with the Lord Jesus.  One breath away.  Let that truth shape all of life.”

In the affection of Christ Jesus,

Pastor Jim