END GAME
Hebrews 12:1-5, Revelation 21:10-27
Hebrews 12:2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning
its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Revelation
21:27: “Nothing impure will ever enter
it, [heaven], nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only
whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
Ten year old Cassie lives her end game. After she made friends with an eight year old
outcast, she had to secure friends for her at school. Kodie has very dark skin (which classmates
hate), and wears a cross. When Cassie
introduced herself, Kodie noticed that she also wore a cross.
The
cross—which both girls wear on a necklace—announces faith in Jesus silently, at
a glance. Immediately, both girls felt that
she could trust the other. Cassie
lassoed her third grade cousin Shakira and classmate Violet to play four square
with Kodie. Relationships were born.
That’s
how believers obey Jesus’ command to “make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19). We do the right thing in every situation. We never need to preach the Gospel of
Christ. We LIVE it. We strive to obey God’s commands (doing good
works, for example). Because we’re in
love with His Son Jesus.
But
not everyone is in love with Jesus. That’s
tragic. Because the end (death) is not a
game. And because God wants everyone to
be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). God wants to find
your name written in the Lamb’s book of life.
To
get one’s name in that decisive book isn’t complicated. First, people confess sin. Then comes yielding one’s life to the Lordship
of Jesus. Immediately, God’s Holy Spirit
indwells the person’s heart sealing him or her forever as a child of God. (Ephesians 1:14).
Good
works won’t get one’s name written in the Lamb’s book of life; only faith in
Jesus as God’s Son—who died to purchase forgiveness for people’s sins, offers
whoever believes in Him salvation. Direct
access to the Father’s throne room urges believers into a new relationship with
God through prayer.
Believers
can celebrate their end game on earth right now!
The
kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy
in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17).
Take Home Nugget
Fall in love with Jesus: Remember all that He endured in order to atone
for your sins? Half-naked humiliation. Being mocked.
Severe whipping. Torturous death.
The appropriate response: Gratitude.
Love. Giving back by doing good
deeds. What a perfect end game to our
earthly lives!
Does
your game (life) end with your name written in the Lamb’s book of life?
J.D. Griffith
Written
for http://www.Biblestudyforkids.com
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