The hope of glory

Considering the history of South Africa; segregation, with apartheid a norm to the average white South African. We were sheltered from the reality of it all! Outnumbered eight to one and yet we did not have one black pupil at either of my schools, as a junior nor a senior. In fact I only ever saw whites on the soccer or rugby field. To be honest I never gave it much thought, it was the norm! How things have changed, the wall of apartheid a thing of the past and without question a proper change. However with change if the principles of the Lord Jesus Christ are pushed aside, how positive is any amendment? Sin will take on another form doing what it does best and that is to destroy as it thrusts to bring forth death!

How we as a country have deteriorated, abortion legalized with pornography on every corner. What chance do we have to avoid God’s judgment? I am thankful for the account of Sodom and Gomorrah and Abraham’s deliberation with God for his nephew Lot. It is up to the individual Christian to intercede for the state of their country and for us to be effective we must seek out God’s will for our lives. As long as there are true Christ centered Christians living a life of obedience, we know that God will spare a city for the sake of the righteous. “Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?" And he said, "I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there."” (Genesis 18:28)   

We must take refuge in our King! And just like Sodom and Gomorrah if it is to be destroyed the Christian will be saved from the destruction! How one may ask? Remember Noah! How God warned him of the destruction to come, how he followed God’s instruction by building the Ark. Our “Ark” is the Lord Jesus, so we needn’t fear! We must cling to our hope through all of life’s calamities fixing our eyes on Him and it will be well with our souls! It is obvious that the trial of life will begin to squeeze even tighter from here on in. Who deliberately actually goes out of their way to look for hardship? It was a cold night last night and so I made sure I had enough blankets on my bed to keep me snug, I didn't say to myself let me rather sleep in the tree house without any blankets. It may seem like a silly example but hopefully it will stress the point. I can vividly recall a time in my military training that seemed an absolute waste of time, to enforce such strain on our bodies seemed such a futile exercise; at the time anyway! However on reflection I understand how that time of my life taught me so many valuable lessons. Our God is preparing us for a great office in the life to come; we must learn to settle our minds on hardship; it will stand us in good stead! It will only be for a season and then once we have learnt what is needed our God will say, “Enough” and He will bring relief! Remember our kin; how they were destitute wandering around the desert is sheepskin. That was a very tough time for them but God was with them and He commended them for their resolve. Where are they now? They are in heaven waiting for the trumpet of God to sound when they will be changed and receive their glorified bodies.

The day will soon arrive in the not too distant future when the trumpet of God will sound and we shall be caught up in the air to ever be with Him! “Let me tell you a secret. Not all of us will die, but all of us will be changed—in a moment, faster than an eye can blink, at the sound of the last trumpet. Indeed, that trumpet will sound, and then the dead will be raised never to decay, and we will be changed.” (1Corinthians 15:51-52) – There are 10 virgins but only 5 of them were wise! Let us make every effort to focus on what counts, the will of God for our lives! We needn’t be consumed by the need for electric fences to keep us safe from the dangers we find in South Africa. Our God will give His angels charge over us! And even if we were to lose our lives we will open them in heaven. What a splendid hope the Christian has!

However we must not be passive and rest our assurance on our partners or parent’s relationship with Christ; we must secure our hope in Him! “Remember Lot's wife! Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, two will be seated on the same couch that night. The one will be taken, and the other will be left behind. Two women will be grinding grain together. The one will be taken, and the other will be left behind." (Luke 17:32-35)

Let us find grace to run the race with patience; it will be worth it all! This then is what we are striving for, for all those who finish the race will be crowned with this reality; “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There won't be death anymore. There won't be any grief, crying, or pain, because the first things have disappeared." The one sitting on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new!" He said, "Write this: 'These words are trustworthy and true.'" Then he told me, "It has happened! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give a drink from the spring of the water of life to the one who is thirsty. The person who conquers will inherit these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son.” (Revelation 21:4-7) – Even so come quickly Lord Jesus!

Signing off

Tyrone