Thursday, December 31

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

Malachi 3:1–4:6

Revelation 22:1–21

Psalm 150:1–6

Proverbs 31:25–31

 

 

As 2015 draws to a close, we both reflect backward on all that has transpired this year and look ahead to the adventures awaiting us in 2016.  We have each individually experienced highs and lows for 2015.  Yet, if we have enjoyed God’s presence this year, we have received a great blessing.  Perhaps you struggled through some setbacks, or maybe you rejoiced in seeing great breakthroughs.  Whatever the case, we each rested on the promise of God’s presence:  “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

 

As our 2015 reading similarly draws to a close, we find Revelation 22, which brings all of history to a close.  The new heavens and new earth offer fullness of life and freedom.  We read about a “a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”  Along the river, God placed “a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month.  The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.” (1–3)  Healing and life will be free to all those in God’s presence.

 

The saints will worship God freely.  “No longer will there be a curse upon anything….  And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads.”  The Father will call us His own!  And His light will overwhelm all other forces:  “And there will be no night there – no need for lamps or son – for the Lord God will shine on them.  And they will reign forever and ever.”  We may rejoice in the permanence and security of His salvation.

 

In v. 17, we read a fitting invitation to conclude this year:  “The Spirt and the bride say, ‘Come!’  And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’  Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”

 

Have you partaken of this free gift?  The Lord Jesus Christ has given each of us the ability to approach the throne of grace with confidence, having shed His blood on our behalf.  We understand that our sin deservedly causes a separation between us and God, one that we cannot cross on our own merit, sterling as it may be.  As Romans 6:23 summarizes, “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

As we head into 2016, I encourage you to pursue the Lord Jesus Christ and all His fullness with passion and persistence.  A great way of continuing in this journey is to read through the One-Year Bible for the first time or another time with us.  It will be a great opportunity for meeting daily with God, hearing His voice, and applying His truth to the 2016’s adventures.

 

May God bless you richly as you seek Him in 2016!

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your wonderful invitation.  We are richly blessed to know You and to receive this water of life.  We trust that Your provision for 2016 will carry us.  Help us to honor You with pure, passionate, and persevering lives in this new year.  Strengthen us to turn away from those attitudes that kept us trapped.  Bring us freedom and joy so that we demonstrate Your light and love to a hurting world.  Pour out Your Spirit so that we may care for others beyond our own strength.  We love You and give You our lives so that we may be Your servants, now and always.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

________________________________________
1) Blog:                  http://bit.ly/rV1Cw1

2) Facebook:        http://on.fb.me/tc6jkS