Monday, March 13, 2023

            We have been focusing on the book of Revelation on Sunday mornings as we work our way, chapter by chapter, through this last prophecy in the Bible.  One thing that is immediately clear in Revelation is how much we do not know.  For example, we do not know when Christ will return for His people.  Even Jesus said that He did not possess that knowledge.  Only the Father knows.  Jesus said, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:32). As we have said as we make our way through Revelation, we always want to avoid setting dates and times for events or moments that we do not know.  We do not want to speak decisively and definitively about that which we do not possess perfect knowledge or insider knowledge. 
            But, there is an even larger lesson that we can draw out of Jesus’ words.  God knows everything and we clearly do not.  Compared to God, we know terribly little.  We can see the present moment (though not perfectly).  Our knowledge of the future is limited and almost non-existent.  We might have some general inklings about the future but nothing written in certainty.  Our knowledge of the past is tainted by poor memories and incomplete recall.  So, Jesus’ words teach us to be humble about what we do and do not know.  We trust Him to work out details that are beyond our understanding or strength to change.
            When it comes to the future, we can approach it with three guiding principles.  First, we can be confident that God will work out His purposes in our lives as we trust Him and look to Him.  We do not have to be captured and controlled by the events of the world.  God’s ways are not impacted by the actions of nations, governments, financial markets or businesses.  His ways are eternal and He will see them through to completion.  If we trust the Lord and seek His purposes in life, we know we are in a safe place (Proverbs 3:5-6).
            Second, God calls us to be faithful a day at a time and often a moment at a time.  We are not to be stressed or strained by what might be coming tomorrow, next week or next year.  We are to be faithful to what God has given us to do at this moment in time.  Paul wrote about God’s sufficient grace.  And the old apostle knew that grace and experienced it personally more than once.  He will always grant the grace that we need to serve Him in anything that has been entrusted to us.  Set your face and heart on what God has for you today.  And if tomorrow comes, do likewise.  Jesus modeled this kind of resolution for us to see.  On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed with fervency and asked if “this cup” (the cross) might be taken from Him.  But, Jesus prayed, “not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36). 
            Third, be grateful that God is in charge and in control so you and I do not have to take the reigns of the universe.  It is good to know that the Father is on the throne and will reign forever and ever.  The Bible says that a day with Him is like a thousand years (2 Peter 3:8).  The small things that might trouble or puzzle us can always be released to Him to take control.  Faith and spiritual maturity often involve recognizing the majesty and magnificence of God over all things.  His Kingdom is forever and we can be grateful that we live in that Kingdom.  Or, as Paul put it, “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).  To be citizens in His Kingdom means we can relax and let Him be in control and trust all things to Him.  Have a great Monday!  Remember you can share our worship any time at youtube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.