If the Nation of Israel could lose the covenant promises made them by God, then every Christian would be in the chaotic position of unassured salvation.  Each of these is a preposterous idea, as neither is based upon our own performance, worthiness or works.  These are promises made by a Sovereign God to created beings of His choosing.  We did not earn a position of favor within relationship to God, we were given grace, such grace that has been made available to every man and woman.  The Jews were given a promise, and the power of the promise transcends whatever any created being, angel or man, thinks about it.  God will continue to love, direct and deal with the Nation of Israel, just as His Spirit indwells each Christian, guiding, teaching, shaping and directing each of us through sanctification.  God does not depend in any manner upon my opinion of His plan.

Are you prepared for the imminent arrival of Jesus Christ?  It is coming you know, when, none of can be certain, but that is irrelevant.  We are simply to consider it imminent, and in so doing be vigilant in our preparation as if it may very well occur tonight.  What does it mean to be prepared for the arrival of Jesus Christ?  Is it the same thing to each of us, or are there different preparations specific to each individual?  Just as none of us will be made worthy by our own works, each of us has the same level of performance requirements in preparation for God’s Glorious Appearing.  That should not be confused with each person’s purpose or calling.  We must have oil in our lamps, be sealed by the Holy Spirit, committed to following Christ, having written His Word upon our hearts.

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

One of us preached and you believed.  It is irrelevant again who it was that planted the seed of God’s Word within the soil of your spirit, the fact remains that someone told you of Christ’s life, death and resurrection and you made decisions based upon your subsequent considered decisions regarding that hearing of the Gospel message.  That is the work of preparation, learning our own testimony, knowing and loving Christ, enough to share His truth with each new person to whom we become acquainted.  Surrendering ourselves to His shaping hand of sanctification through continual and perpetual acknowledgement of and repentance from sin.  Preparing ourselves to spend eternity with a Righteous, Holy God.  Turning and keeping our vision toward heaven, in full knowledge that our blessings, salvation, protection and peace come from God and God alone.  No one may remove my salvation from me just as no one may cancel the promises God has made me through His Word, just as no one may free me from the loving obligation of being found doing the work He has prepared for me to do since before the beginning of the world.

Lord I thank you that there are many things in this life that must ponder, but that does not include Your intentions for my life or my eternity.  I am persuaded, assured, settled to the inevitable and imminent revelation of Your eventual plan for humanity.  I pray that I keep my heart, my mind and my hands to the tools of Your work.  Give me the strength to follow through where my own flesh and will is insufficient.  I love you Lord.  In Jesus’ Name.