Do You See What Is Coming Up From Behind You?

Greetings Friend.

I know life has been hard on you. We live in a fallen world. We are fallen individuals, and we live among fallen people. In addition, I know that since the last time I wrote, your fleshly passions have been at war with what is of God in you. This ongoing conflict is truly the severest struggle any human will experience, although we at times, or regularly, give greater attention to less important concerns and demands.

Many nights, before the evening’s rest, I read the prayers of a certain saint. I have found this habit both quieting to my mind and soul, as well as informative concerning how another Christian prayed. Last night’s reading contained a reference to Revelation 14:13:

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

I ask you, friend, as I asked myself last night, first to consider or imagine your passage out of this life into the Lord’s presence. What do you envision when you consider this event? Has God brought you to the place where you view this as “blessed”? If you are in the Lord, then this experiential quality awaits you. If the day were today, would it be real for you?

Second, note that “rest” is provided from some type of labor. Rest is truly something we naturally desire. We can all rejoice and delight regarding this rest. The sting, though, comes from the works which follow. Reader, once you are fully in Christ’s presence your life works will join you. What testimony will your works give regarding your earthly life? Have you concerns as you envision this event unfolding in the presence of God?

Even though we live in a fallen world as fallen people, as a Christian (or as a non-Christian, for all must face death and should consider this event) what are the works which will most comfort you in Christ’s presence? Which life works will create the most dread and regret? May I encourage you, dear reader, that you begin by recognizing the deeper conflict you face daily is often more subtle than you may naturally perceive, and that the works associated with this reality of blessedness and rest originate from faith and love. Works which you will be glad to see join you in Christ’s presence are those which can be traced back to the work of God in your life: from God, by God, and for His glory. Works which you will dread the approach of are works of your flesh that can be traced back to what is ungodly in you, for self-glory, or corruptible intent, or worldly purposes.

I find it all too easy, my friend, to read the verse above, enjoy thoughts of blessing, and not allow opportunity for God’s Spirit (who is referenced as showing us this truth) the freedom and time to search me concerning the character and effects of my life as if present before the Lord. And yourself, dear reader, do you see what is coming up from behind you to stand with you before the Lord?

It is my strong desire to continue the series “Do You Sense Your Separateness,” and I trust our God will guide me in doing that soon. What I have just written you pertains to that theme. Do you sense that?

I close this writing to you with a hymn that can easily be a description of my life journey and yours, if you are in Christ, and can become a description of your life if you are now only of the world and do not yet know Christ. Either way, the hymn is rich and can be personalized as prayer or used for contemplation.

May God’s presence be known to you more every moment of each day that He gives you on this earth, and may you rest in His love, goodness and wisdom.

Carl


“O the bitter shame and sorrow,
That a time could ever be
When I let the Savior’s pit
Plead in vain, and proudly answered,
‘All of self, and none of Thee.’

Yet He found me; I beheld Him
Bleeding on the accursed tree,
Heard Him pray, ‘Forgive them, Father!’
And my wistful heart said faintly,
‘Some of self, and some of Thee.’

Day by day His tender mercy,
Healing, helping, full and free,
Sweet and strong, and O! so patient,
Brought me lower, while I whispered,
‘Less of self, and more of Thee.’

Higher than the highest heaven,
Deeper than the deepest sea,
Lord, Thy love at last has conquered;
Grant me now my soul’s desire,
‘None of self, and all of Thee!’”

(Theodore Monad, 1836 – 1931)