Day 20
Topic: Eternal Judgment
Title: The future is bright – anticipating eternity
Truth Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:20-24,35-58 ...the resurrection of the dead comes also
through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his
own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the
end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed
all dominion, authority and power…so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven
…Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.
Truth Story: Arguably the greatest footballer in the world, Kaka wore his “I belong to Jesus” vest when Milan won Serie A in 2004 and has “God is faithful” stitched on to the tongues of his boots. Belonging has the thought of:
· being the property of a person or thing
· being attached or bound by birth, allegiance, or dependency (eg homeland)
· being a member of a club, organization, or set. Kaka clearly expresses the primary attachment and allegiance to whom he belongs.
Truth Unpacked: The truth verse sets out the resurrection order – first Jesus and then those who belong to him. The fact that Jesus already has His resurrected body and our citizenship (allegiance) is in heaven as those who belong to him. We are those who lay up treasure for ourselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that we may take hold of the life that is truly life. The grim contrast here is that those who do not belong to Him will be judged; not only for their sins, but especially for the great damning sin of unbelief. Surely the unpardonable sin is to reject Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord! No one need experience this judgment, if only they accept Christ as Saviour and Resurrected Lord. According to the scriptures the final destination and eternal judgment of all Christ-rejecters and fallen angels will be the eternal lake of fire. Rev 20:12-15
Prayer: Lord, help us to be those who know you and the power of your resurrection. Lift our vision to anticipate eternity. Help us then to bring the hope of this Heavenly Kingdom to our local communities. We thank you Jesus that we belong to the man from heaven who has a heavenly inheritance for us that can never perish, spoil or fade.
