Mornings with Jesus Jan 23 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11–14 (NIV) THE THEATER HOUSE LIGHTS DIMMED. The orchestra began to play. The booming timpani quickened my heartbeat and the flute’s trill built the anticipation. I’d looked forward to seeing this show for weeks, and I leaned forward as the curtains rose. Lights spilled onto the stage and illuminated a vibrant set. Performers lifted their voices in a swirl of movement and music. I was swept into the story. There is nothing quite like the breathless excitement of the moment before the curtain rises. We may know a hint of what we’ll discover, but much is a mystery until we experience it. We turn off our cell phones, stop rustling a piece of wrapped candy, even suppress a cough. Our attention is focused, eager. In these verses in Titus, I glimpse that same sort of expectation. We are living every moment with the blessed hope of Jesus appearing. We exist in the moment before a great curtain rises on the fulfillment of His plan. Even better, He invites us to join Him. This isn’t the overture of a story that we will passively watch. When Christ returns, we will join the celebration with Him. And while we wait, He invites us to join Him, “eager to do what is good.” We can share His love with those around us. We can hum the distant melody of worship that will soon burst into full volume when He returns. Faith Step: What creates anticipation in you? Ask Jesus to stir up the same eagerness for His return, and for serving Him in the meantime. By Sharon Hinck
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 12:25:34 +0000
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