2021 Cometh

Colossians 3:1-4, If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

For 2021 – for the next days – for today – for every day of life here are some truths and targets:

Truths:

1.  If you were raised – if you are saved.  R U?  To be saved means you were needy – seriously needy!   You were drowning in troubles, you were doomed by sin, and you were at odds with the Judge of the Universe.  You were going down and realized that Jesus offered to save you and in doing so you would be forever indebted to Him and desire to love Him and serve Him. So, you confessed your willfulness and cried out to Him to save you.  Have you been raised to a second life?

2. Things which are above.  What is above?  Worship of God the Creator and sustainer Who is holy, love, wise and rejoices.  Join the heavenly throng in song and words of worship. Above?  Rapt attention to God’s “orders” and rapid obedience with joy (show and talk of Jesus with Whom God is well pleased!).  Above?  Incense which are the prayers of the saints.  Above?  God’s joy and glory.  God’s “smile” toward His “kids”.  You want His “well done” said of you. 

3. Christ is seated at the right hand.  The work is done! Being in Jesus brings to rest fears and struggles to fix self as they are settled in Jesus.  There is peace in heaven and in one’s heart because of Jesus’ finished work.   Therefore, baptism and communion are really important.  Also, His bride – His people, the church – is really important.  How great is the peace that presides in Heaven and the throne which indicates rule.  God is ruling despite how it might seem! 

4. You died.  You have been bought with a GREAT price – the sinless blood of Jesus – therefore glorify Him.  As His, you are a slave of righteousness – His bondservant.  It is not your agenda but His every hour of every day.  Christ is your life.  You plan to do this or that, you ought to say, “The Lord wills I will do…”.   You ought to say, “Please do or … but, Your will be done!”

5. Your life is hidden with Christ in God.  You are safe in Jesus who is one with the Father. Your eternity is sure.  To be absent from the body is to be present with Jesus.  And being “in God” means that Satan has to go through God to get to you which we saw in the story of Job.  All is well. 

6. When Christ appears!  He ascended and the angels announced that He was returning.  It might be today or tomorrow or soon.  Be as the wise virgins in Matthew 25, ready to stand before Him.  Be as John writes, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” – today would be just swell! 

7. in glory.  The future for believers is a WOW!  God’s loved ones will experience life full of joy, peace, love, beauty and rich purpose.  The future is fantastic!  Glory!!!

Targets:

1. Seek the things of above.  Your passions and priorities start with God’s program and your role in it.  Study what marks God’s throne room (Rev. 4-5) and seek to mark your life with such. 

2. Set your mind…not on the earth.  The things of this world are corrupt, fade, and don’t satisfy.  So why pursue them?  Rather, pursue things eternal such as people!  How to be salt and light – how to be a faithful ambassador – to represent Jesus.  How to react to pain, loss, and evil in a way that shows Jesus and gives them reason to ask you of your hope.  Don’t let the sirens of the flesh, the world, and Satan draw you into the rocks.  Be a serious student of the Bible to hear God’s voice. 

3. You will appear with Him.  Be daily ready – He comes! Your groom comes so as any serious bride; be preparing, talking, and watching.  May the world know you are leaving and maybe soon!

May your 2021 be rich with Jesus and full of joyful obedience to the God of lights!