Jump Start # 3798
Hebrews 1:2 “In these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”
Well, we’ve finished up our study here at home on the book of Revelation. The first quarter of the year I was walking though Revelation, chapter by chapter, on Sundays and Wednesday evenings. The last time I had taught Revelation was seven years ago. I’ve taught it in various formats a few times here. With so many other pressing things to teach it occurred to me that it may well be another seven years until we get around to teaching it again. And, there is a good chance, by that time, I’ll not be in the position to teach. So, this may have been the last time I ever teach Revelation in a class. That thought was sobering and a bit sad for me.
As a person walks through life they come to several “final” events in their journey. For instance:
· When that last child gets potty trained and there are no more diapers, at least until grandkids come along.
· When a person has taken their final class in school. Be it high school, college, or grad level, one day, it’s that last class. No more school after that. No more tests. No more papers to write.
· When a person clocks out for the last time at their job. They are retiring and this is the last day for them.
· When a person sells a house and moves into a different house. One final look around. All the memories. All the little projects. The door shuts and that will be the last time you are in that house.
Sometimes because of age or opportunity, someone does something for the last time. There are some lessons to be learned about the last or final time:
First, when we reach the last page of the Bible, that ought not be the last time we read the Bible. I have many books that I have read through one time. I don’t intend to read through them again. The Word of God is different. When we reach the last page, Revelation 22, we ought to just turn around and start reading it again. Some books are only read once. The Bible is one book that we read over and over and over. And, with each reading, we learn and see things that we have never seen before.
Second, because we are finished with certain things, does not mean that we sit on the sidelines of life. Finished with school—that will be true one day. That does not mean you are finished with learning. All of your life you need to learn and grow. Finished with work– that doesn’t mean you don’t use your talents somewhere in the kingdom of the Lord. One may not do all that they once did, but they need to keep busy. The alternative is sitting in a chair all day watching endless newscasts. Life is too precious for that.
Third, because you are finished does not mean others are. Some are busy in school. Some are busy with families. Some are busy with jobs. Not everyone can come and do things with you. The reason is because you are finished, they are not. Be patient with others who have not finished. Be an encouragement to them. Share your insights and wisdom with others. Help them with what has helped you. Try to make things easier for them. In doing, this you encourage and make a huge difference in the lives of others.
I’m not finished teaching. I immediately go into a study of Genesis. Revelation is how the Bible ends. Genesis is how the Bible begins. Because you cannot do one thing does not mean you give up on all things. Keep finding ways to be useful in the kingdom. Stay busy in the work of the Lord.
And, one day, it will be our final day on this planet. The Lord shall call us home and we will be with Him forever. That final day here is not the end. There is no “The End,” to our story. As a hymn goes, we’ll live on and on. The only place that will never have a last day, is Heaven.
Roger