How Will You Finish?
By Pastor James Black | May 26, 2010
While I was considering Memorial Day I thought about all the lives lost in war. So many young men and women whose lives were cut short for a cause they may not have even understood. You wonder what a final ending this was for them. I also wondered where we would be if they had not given the ultimate sacrifice. You see death is not the end of the story. In Revelation 14:13 the Bible says that our works follow after us.
If you were to ask most people how did Jesus finish they would tell you that He finished by dying on a cross. Doesn’t sound very successful does it? Three and one half years of hard ministry, an ever-changing “congregation”, betrayal and death on a cross. It doesn’t fit in most preacher’s pulpit search! But if this is all we see then we truly miss His final finish. In Hebrews 12:2 it says “for the joy that was set before him” – he endured the cross. His true finish will be when He returns triumph to rule this world and ultimately defeat Satan. This will be a glorious finish!
But what about you – how will you finish? I’m not talking about how you die. I mean when you stand before the throne of God! If you are born again it will be at the Bema ” judgement” Seat to recieve your rewards. Paul told Timothy in II Timothy 4:6-8 that he had a crown of righteousness laid up because he finished this first part well. You know today is all the time you have to finish well – tomorrow may not get here for you. So, how are you doing in preparation for your final finish?
For those who have not responded to the pleading of the Holy Spirit to follow Christ there is also coming a final finish – before the Great White Throne Judgment. When you stand there God will not ask about your accomplishments or good character -He is only interested in your relationship to His only Begotten Son. Believe me if you have waited till now it is way to late! The only thing your works will do is determine the harshness of eternity on your lost and separated soul. Please for Christ’s sake and your own start today to finish well by giving your heart, soul and life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Then your final finish can be very good!
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