The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:7-8
As presented on *The Lutheran Hour® by Dr. Dale A. Meyer, 1995
Because Christ’s sacrifice put us on the way to heaven, sacrificial works should characterize our journey as we move ever closer to seeing Jesus face to face. Sacrifice means work and work isn’t always a pleasant prospect. Do you welcome interruptions with a smile or do you grumble about people imposing on your time? Are you inclined to see your life as your business and no one else’s, or do you see your life as a gift from God for which He will expect an accounting at the end of your journey? Sacrificing your own desires in order to serve others is work, but it’s work you’ll choose because Christ the Lamb of God sacrificed Himself for you.
Conservative commentator Cal Thomas says, “If Christians will begin living what they claim to believe—loving their enemies, praying for those who persecute them, becoming a friend to ‘sinners’ (even pro-choicers)—a new kind of power would be unleashed on the land. It might produce something called ‘revival,’ which would create the social conditions Christians now say they want.”
What Thomas is laying before you is sacrificial work that will benefit this society. We Christians are going to heaven, which is called eternal rest. But what does it mean to rest if you haven’t been working? When we get to the end of our journey, Christ will greet us and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” But the sequence is to work, to do well now during our earthly journey, and then to receive the accolades and rest when we enter heaven.
Lord Jesus Christ, teach us to know in our minds and hearts, and to demonstrate with our lives, that the way to heavenly glory is a way of sacrificial love. Amen.
Taken from A Message of Hope: Proclaiming the Promise (selections from messages broadcast on *The Lutheran Hour, celebrating 75 years of proclaiming the promise).
Copyright © 2005 by Lutheran Hour Ministries
*The Lutheran Hour is the longest-running Christian radio broadcast in the world. It is a production of Lutheran Hour Ministries. For more information, visit www.lutheranhour.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Nehemiah 7-9 Revelation 18
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