The Rude Awakening

January 23, 2016

What are you living for?

Proverbs 23:17

Do not let your heart envy sinners [who live godless lives and have no hope of salvation],

But [continue to] live in the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the Lord day by day.

Matthew Henry concise commentary

Here is a parent instructing his child to give his mind to the Scriptures. Here is a parent correcting his child: accompanied with prayer, and blessed of God, it may prove a means of preventing his destruction. Here is a parent encouraging his child, telling him what would be for his good. And what a comfort it would be, if herein he answered his ( proverbs 23:17-18 ) disappointed; the end of his trials, and of the sinner's prosperity, is at hand.

Miyagi’s commentary

Sometimes, it seems like those who have rejected Jesus Christ are living large and enjoying life.  They are the ones with the big houses, the fancy cars and the huge bank accounts.  All this glitter and gold seem so appealing in the eyes of many.  But the Bible cautions us to not be envious of them.  Why?  Because when they leave this earth, they will enter into eternal damnation.  People who have made the choice to live without Jesus may last about 80 years on this earth.  This is nothing compared to eternity.  They are living for the here and now….for the pleasures of this world, the power, the money.  They have no understanding that there is a thing call eternal life.  For them, they think that when they die on this earth, that is the end.  The sad truth is that their suffering begins when they leave this earth.  They enter into the lake of fire, which is *eternal punishment” for rejecting Jesus Christ.

We believers, on the other hand, have much to look forward to.  Because we have made Jesus our Lord and Savior and is living day to day in the fear of the Lord, when we die, we go to be with Christ Jesus.  We have eternal life with Him.  And all the suffering and persecution on this earth will be worth it all when we see Jesus face to face…. because we will be with Jesus forever  So, while we are on this earth, we are mere pilgrims, passing through.  Earth is not our eternal home.  Heaven is.  And that is where we are to strive for.  That is why Phil 2:12 tells us to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”  Yes, Jesus died for our sins at the cross.  But we also need to do our part which is to accept Jesus and follow Him all the days of our lives.  This is the only way to ensure salvation in Christ.  Accepting Jesus is not a one-way ticket to Heaven.  That is why today’s Scripture tells us to continue to live in the reverential fear of the Lord day by day.  That means, never stop living for Jesus.  

Summary conclusion:

So what do you think is more important?

Play now and suffer for eternity?  Or live for Jesus and enjoy eternity with Him?  

Psalms 20:6 AMP

Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand.

Matthew Henry concise commentary

Our first step to victory in spiritual warfare is to trust only in the mercy and grace of God; all who trust in themselves will soon be cast down.  Believers triumph in God, and his revelation of himself to them, by which they distinguish themselves from those that live without God in the world. Those who make God and his name their praise, may make God and his name their trust

Miyagi’s commentary

God will only save His people from eternal damnation.  God will not save those who have rejected Jesus on earth.   On that day when Christ return to take us home, many will be in for a rude awakening.  Many who are living for themselves in the context of Christianity will be left behind.   It will be a sad day for many.  But those who have lived faithfully for Jesus Christ and have followed Him in the fear of the Lord day after day will be saved.  

Summary conclusion:

Because you have read this devotional today, you have been forewarned.  You can no longer plead ignorance.   Live for Jesus now and be saved.  If you choose otherwise, then you will enter into eternal damnation….with eyes open.   

There is a time, we know not when,

A place, we know not where;

which marks the destiny of men

to glory or despair

There is a line, by us unseen,

which crosses every path,

which marks the boundary between

God’s mercy and His wrath

To pass that limit is to die,

to die as if by stealth.

It does not dim the beaming eye,

nor pale the glow of health

The conscience may be still at ease,

the spirit light and gay.

and that which pleases still may please

and care be thrust away.

But on that forehead God hath set

Indelibly a mark

Unseen by man, for man as yet,

is blind and in the dark.

He feels perchance that all is well

and every fear is calmed

He lives, he dies, he walks in hell

Not only doomed, but damned!

O where is that mysterious line

that may be men be crossed

Beyond which God Himself hath sworn,

that he who goes is lost?

An answer from the skies repeats

“Ye who from God depart.”

Today, O hear His voice,

Today repent and harden not your heart.

- By Joseph Addison Alexander

The Big Picture:

Don’t look at the glamour and gold in this world.  Those things cannot save you.  Look to Jesus.  Only He can save you.  So, what are you living for?

The Byword:

When Jesus is all you have, you will find that Jesus is ALL you need.

Miyagi