God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
Dear Lord Jesus, these words come like a refreshing shower at the end of a 90 degree 90 percent humidity day… like a surprise visit from a cherished friend at just the right moment… like the welcomed voice of my GPS saying, “You’re at your destination”, after many frustrating miles of meandering without a satellite signal or a clue.
O, the gift of gospel promises… renewed perspective… tangible hope. We’re commanded to give one another encouragement because a lot of life isn’t very encouraging. We’re commanded to build one another up because there’s a lot of things in life that tear us down. But then there’s you, Jesus…
Because of you, the main appointment on my calendar isn’t wrath, but salvation. On the cross, you took the judgment I deserve that I might receive the riches I could never earn. But you didn’t die just so I could be “in heaven” in one day. You died that I might live together with you… this day and every day. Whether I’m alive at your second coming, or whether I “go to sleep” before this day is over… it’s all about being with you, Jesus. All of life is to be lived in fellowship with you.
When I lose sight of this calling… when I get distracted or distressed… when I look at circumstances more than at you, Jesus… when I get busier doing stuff for you rather than spending time with you… my heart gets grieved and my spirit gets embittered. I start acting like a senseless and ignorant man… with a beastly attitude before others, even before you.
But Jesus, I’m always with you because you have me in the palm of your hand and in the haven of your heart. You’re guiding me right now by your Word and Spirit, and you will bring me safely home whenever you choose. How do I forget these things? How do I forget the gospel so easily?
Jesus, who do I have in heaven but you? I don’t really care about streets of gold. And when I’m living in rich fellowship with you, my desire for earthly things gets exposed for what is really is… vanity, a chasing after the wind. My body and mind may very well wear out, but you are the strength of my heart and my portion… today and forever. My greatest encouragement comes from being united to you. May my daily encouragement come from living in vital communion with you. So very Amen, I pray, in your tender and tenacious name.