Text: Isaiah 57:1&2; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Memory Verse: “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
David had been playing at his best on the football field for over 30 minutes when the coach decided he needed a rest. He was arguably a talented player needed to win the match; however, the coach decided he had played his part and that it was time to leave. He needed to rest. There are two groups: those on the field and those on the bench.
To everything, there is a season (Ecclesiastes 3:1). You must, therefore, make good use of the time that you have been given, knowing that a time of being withdrawn from active service, a time of rest, is coming.
Knowing that you need to be accountable, would you be able to say like Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7)? Charles Wesley wrote, “No condemnation now I dread; Jesus,
and all in Him is mine! Alive in Him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach the eternal throne, and claim the crown through Christ my own.”
There are two groups of people; those still in active service and those who have been withdrawn from service. You are alive and still in active service. Give your best to God recognising that the life you have will pass away. Only what is done for Christ will last forever. Remember, “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement” (Hebrews 9:27). Be prepared.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, strengthen me as I run life’s race so that I may win the crown.
2. May I prepare and be mindful of the fact that a time of examination is coming.