"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed."
~2 Peter 3:10 (ESV)The deathbed picture is one of the most sobering pictures for all humankind. We all will face it, and all must come to terms with it. One person accurately said, "...one-hundred percent of us die." This is true, and it is simple. But what will our picture be?
Christ reveals to us in Matthew 24 that no one knows the day or hour in which Christ will return, for the Son does not even know--only the Father (v. 36, 42, & 50). He is coming at an hour we will not expect (v. 44). Yet more sobering, He will come like a "thief in the night" (I Thes. 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10, Rev. 16:15.
Given that we all face death, how is this to affect our lives? Perhaps you are thinking by now that this is a rather gloomy read. But actually the Lord shows us gloom in order to reveal to us grace:
- He showed us the death of His Son to show us His glory
- He showed us we were dead in sin so we might understand why we need a Savior
- He broke us that He might save us from eternal condemnation and give us everlasting life
- He shows us discipline in order that we might bear the fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11)
- He convicts us of sin so that we might turn from it to Himself
Therefore, rather than a mere obligation of fear (though there should be fear of the Lord always), there is the wonderful hope of grace to change and live in light of eternity--that Day when we will all give account (Romans 14:12) and those who believe Him will see His face.
"Father, thank You for revealing Your Son to us. Thank you for the hope of the cross of Christ! You have shown us the depth of our sin, yet what a mystery that you would show of the depth of Your love displayed on Calvary! Who are we that You are mindful of us! O, the mystery of your great love! May we live in light of that day and use the freedom You have purchased for us to ascribe all glory due Your name. Amen."
Next in this series: The Deathbed Picture: What Will Burn?
Challenge and Application Questions
- What eternal destiny will you face when you draw your final breath?
- As a Christian, are you encouraged and provoked by the deathbed picture?
- Do you allow the cross and eternity to mould your daily walk?
- How can you better cultivate fear of the Lord and an eternal perspective?
