Articles
What Are Our Priorities?
A subject we often avoid is that of DEATH. I know when growing up this was a subject almost never talked about, and probably not often even thought about. Especially when we are young and middle aged (?) it probably never comes up. I suppose we sometimes think it's something that's so far away from my life, why give it any attention. However, the Bible does address this issue and it does so often. Think about after Adam and Eve sinned in the garden part of God's sentence for them was physical death. (Genesis 3:19) As a result of the sin man suffered both spiritual and physical death. Only out of God's great love for man can we now be free of spiritual death -- Jesus, His Son, and the Gospel. What a wonderful promise to provide us hope each day if we are faithful to Him. Are we listening and obedient to His Word?
Physical death will come to every one of us. "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment; So Christ also, having been offered once to bear sins of many, SHALL APPEAR A SECOND TIME, not to bear sin, to those who eagerly await Him, for SALVATION.'" (Hebrews 9:27,28)
One of the great blessings we can thank Him for is that He tasted death for each one of us. And overcame that death to live eternally with the Father in heaven. "And God raised Him up again, PUTTING AN END TO THE AGONY OF DEATH, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. (Acts 2:24)
"But we do see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, and by the grace of God He might taste death FOR EVERY ONE." (Hebrews 2:9)
"Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives." (Hebrews 2:14,15)
While we live our lives here we have opportunity to have that special relationship with the Father and Son; by obeying and staying faithful to HIs teachings -- the Gospel of our salvation. We need not fear physical death if we have that hope in life. Peter calls it a LIVING HOPE. (1 Peter 1:3)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a LIVING HOPE through the RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRST FROM THE DEAD." "to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away RESERVED IN HEAVEN FOR YOU." (1 Peter 1:3,4)
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, WHETHER GOOD OR BAD." (2 Corinthians 5:10)
How are we doing on our focus and our priorities each day? What comes before first? Jesus teaches us the greatest commandment is to LOVE GOD WITH ALL OUR BEING. (Matthew 22:37,38) And to remember His words in Matthew chapter 6:
"But seek FIRST His kingdom, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. " (Matthew 6:33)
We are constantly influenced by many things that may cause us to lose sight of our greatest blessings -- that of our faith, and putting Him first. Let us keep on with the "things that Jesus teaches" and those things that will finally help us to be with Him for eternity.
Ross
