Daily Thought: From the Grave

From the depth of the grave I write - the pits of despair where there is no light, no hope. All good is lost and I have destroyed it. All life is gone for I have wasted it. But then I hear...

I hear the deep rumblings of a Voice not common -- none other like it in fact. This voice peirces through the dark, the deep, and the lies of condemnation. This voice tells me, "For that darkness you have seen, you shall see me all the more brighter. For that despair you have known, my hope shall be sweeter. For that sin you have done, I have given my Son, and you are forgiven. Come. Come, my son. Come."

The Deathbed Picture: Part 1 - In Light of That Day

"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)

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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?

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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?

Forever In Your Grace!

"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you."
~Joshua 1:5 (ESV)

"Forever, You'll keep me in Your Grace, my Father.
And ever, we need not be afraid, for You're faithful."
-West Coast Revival

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I have failed,
I cannot do it
That is why Christ had to do it for me,
Live the perfect life impossible for all humanity to live

You have won,
I have nothing left to fear but You, O God
You keep me in Your grace always,
I face no condemnation for my sin

So all the more as I realize the wonders of Your love,
The wonders of Jesus crucified,
The less I fear the accusations of the enemy of my soul,
Who loves to remind me of my sin,
To try to deceive me into thinking condemnation remains,
That Your sacrifice is not sufficient to save from all sin

The enemy is defeated,
I know that my Savior lives!
Forever You'll keep me in Your grace,
My Father

Though I have failed,
Though I have questioned You so often,
Though I yet put Your face from my view at times,
Blessed mercy, how can it be?
You have forgiven and redeemed the poorly invested time,
I am still with You because You are with me,
And forever I am with You until I die

I cannot be without You!
I cannot walk in prudence and wisdom apart from You!
Father, hear my cry for help,
Come to the rescue of these needful bones

I cannot live without You,
Thank You for Your everlasting grace
That Your promise remains unbroken forever,
That You will never leave or forsake me

It's not about me, but all about YOU, JESUS!!!
We earn nothing before you, and cannot!
You freely show Your mysterious mercy to us,
And that is why we carry on

Thank You Jesus!

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Recommended Resources

• Accompanying Song: Forever In Your Grace by West Coast Revival