THE TEST OF FIRE for God’s Elect
“Only one life, ‘twill soon be passed, only what’s done for Christ will last. And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be if the lamp of my life was burned out for Thee.” (Unknown).
Living and dying are issues we all face and think about, but can we say as Jesus did, “I am ready (to die), I brought You glory; I completed all that You wanted Me to?” Death can be a frightening certainty; or perhaps we may exclaim with Paul the apostle, “To be absent from the body is to be present with my Lord…” He was certain of his destiny.
We sat at the bedside of a dying relative who became extremely vulnerable in her final moments; she said, “I am so afraid to meet Him…” In contrast, another precious friend, a 78-year-old, who had only recently committed his life to Christ, cried on my shoulder saying, “Why, why, did I wait so long to come to Him!” These dear friends were expressing deep, irrevocable regrets, and they would give anything to have one more chance at life.
As we look at the life and times of Jesus on earth, we notice that He tied everything He did and said back to glorifying His Father in heaven – “I do nothing by Myself, I only do what I see the Father doing…I seek not to please Myself but Him Who sent Me.” (John 5:19,20).
So often we get caught up in life’s to-dos, and we compartmentalize family and friends here, the job there, recreation and hobbies somewhere else and our spirituality is Sunday or wherever that “compartment” seems necessary. Paul’s admonishment, at least to the Corinthians gives us an inkling into God’s way: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to God’s glory.” (1 Cor. 10:31). This must be what Jesus meant when He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” He did say, “all” friends.
Perhaps you too have witnessed the passing of a loved one or heard the regrets of one who has frivolously wasted his or her life. Let us consider for a moment the next portion of this devotion with the utmost seriousness. Imagine everything in your life has vanished, all except you and Jesus; then envision yourself at the judgment seat of Christ. This judgment is for believers, “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ,” (Rom.14:10). You see a mighty throng, countless hosts awaiting the calling of their name. And then, the moment you knew would come, you heard your name. Suddenly, a mighty angel is escorting you toward the judgment seat. The confidence you once exhibited about your spirituality now fades and your heart races as you draw near to the Holy One. You begin to ponder all that you could have done, but time escaped you, and now you must give an account.
Jesus warmly welcomes you, and he embraces you with a divine touch you could only have dreamed of. His love—so selfless and pure. The Lord of Lords says, “Let’s take a look at your life.” Then He begins to reward you appropriately. His eyes become a consuming fire, and all deeds, words, thoughts, and even the intents of the heart are exposed. Your life’s work, are they wood, hay, straw, or gold, silver, and costly stones? This is your moment when it all comes to light. “…the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” Maybe this is where Jesus finally wipes away every tear from our eyes (Rev.21:4) because after these things we know that there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. All things will be new! Amen! Let us live now to be ready – Jesus, we love you.