The Day is Coming
“The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”
1 John 2:17 NASBS
Dear Christian, Like an hourglass filled with sand that marks the hour, this world will one day pass away by the sovereign decree of the Lord. Isaiah pens, “All the stars in the sky will be dissolved, and the heavens rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree.” Peter also says many years later, “The day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.” Yes it is true, the earth rotating on its axis is appointed by God to make so many rounds, and when the time comes, it will cease. The fabric of this evil world will be dissolved, never to assault God’s people again. Rest assured, as the sun sets in the east, this land where the wicked set their hearts will one day sink under their feet, and leave them to drop into the pit of destruction. This world and its system are the stage of the unbeliever’s wickedness now, but God in all of His glory will bring judgment down upon it and those who delight in its corruption. The Lord will deal out retribution to those who do not know Him and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power.
With this knowledge, my brethren, how much more should we discipline ourselves to godliness so we do not fall captive to the world’s temptations. The scriptures teach us that sin is crouching at the door, and we must subdue it. That is, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are not to yield to the inordinate desires that well up inside of us, but rather, submit ourselves to the truth of God’s word. By doing so, we become like a lighthouse in the midst of a violent storm for all to see. Jesus said to those who follow God in His day, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Therefore, Christian, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, proving yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.
Oh Lord, your word tells us, “The world is passing away, and also its lusts, but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” So in light of this, “May I live by You, live for You, never be satisfied with my Christian progress, but as I resemble Christ, and may conformity to His principles, temper, and conduct grow hourly in my life. Let Your unexampled love constrain me into holy obedience, and render my duty my delight. If others deem my faith folly, my meekness infirmity, my zeal madness, my hope delusion, my actions hypocrisy, may I rejoice to suffer for Your name. Keep me walking steadfastly towards the country of everlasting delights, that paradise-land which is my true inheritance. Support me by the strength of heaven that I may never turn back, or desire false pleasures that will disappear into nothing. As I pursue my heavenly journey by Your grace, let me be known as a man with no aim but that of a burning desire for You, and the good and salvation of my fellow men.” May God strengthen you to holiness that you may burn as bright as the stars on a clear dark night in a world that will one day perish. Amen.