Scripture: “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” – Luke 21:28
Examination of chapter: Jesus honors a widow who gives all she has to God, then He goes on to describe the destruction that will befall Jerusalem and Israel in the future. The signs of the end times is shared, as well as the importance of keeping watch for the coming of the Son of Man.
Application: One of my greatest pleasures in retirement is traveling. No matter where I’m going, whether it’s camping or cruising, I still have a lot of preparations to make before leaving on my trips. Luggage to pack, medication to fill, tours to books, and a full itinerary for my family to reach me in case of emergency. Once that is accomplished, all I have to do is count down the days to departure!
I have another trip I’m planning, so, of course, I am busily preparing for that departure. It’s a “destination wedding”, and while I don’t have an exact date of when it will be, it is sure to be soon, and I want to be ready! I know that the bridegroom is preparing a huge feast, and when His bride arrives, the celebration will be amazing! Several of my friends and family have already gone to be there, and I can’t wait to join them. By the way, you’re welcome to come too! There’s always room for one more!
All you’ll need is a reservation, and that can easily be arranged.
How to get a reservation:
- Admit you’re a sinner and repent of your sins.
- “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” – Romans 3:23
- Believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died in your place to take the punishment for your sins, and rose from the dead to be the Savior of the world.
- “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”– 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
- Call upon Christ to forgive your sins and be your Lord and Saviour.
- “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13
That’s it! Once you’ve placed your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, you are on the official guest list with your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life! Revelation 21:27 explains the parameters of the guest list, “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
When are we going? 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 tells us how we’ll know the time. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
I’m sure you’ve figured out the location of this destination wedding. Sure hope I’ll see you there! “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)
Memory Verse: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” – John 14:3
Stretching your thoughts:
1. Jesus stated that He was the only way to get to heaven. How would you respond to someone who claimed there were multiple ways to get to heaven?
Lord, I care not for riches, neither silver nor gold;
I would make sure of heaven, I would enter the fold.
In the book of Thy kingdom with its pages so fair,
Tell me, Jesus, my Savior, is my name written there?
Is my name written there on the page white and fair?
In the book of Thy kingdom, is my name written there?
Lord, my sins they are many, like the sands of the sea,
But Thy blood, O my Savior, is sufficient for me;
For Thy promise is written in bright letters that glow,
"Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them like snow."
Is my name written there on the page white and fair?
In the book of Thy kingdom, is my name written there?
O that beautiful city with its mansions of light,
With its glorified beings in pure garments of white;
Where no evil thing cometh to despoil what is fair,
Where the angels are watching, yes, my name's written there.
Yes, my name’s written there on the page white and fair;
In the book of Thy Kingdom, yes, my name’s written there!
(from “Is My Name Written There” by Mary A. Kidder)