A Missionary in Africa tells a true story about his first experience working with the customs of the people. The women would be bent low, moving very slowly under the loads of wood piled upon their backs. Their husbands, with no more than a walking stick, walked proud and erect several yards in front of them. It was considered an honor for the women to carry these heavy loads for their husbands.
When your life on this earth comes to an end you will stand before Christ, who has been given the authority to judge our lives. 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive good or evil, according to what they have done in their body.” At that time we will want Him to accept us as one of His. We do not want Him to reject us. But, why would He reject us?
No one needs to tell us that we are a busy people. Our lives are so filled with activities that we find little time for meditation or communion with God. I must confess that I even had a problem with this as a full-time Preacher. Every week’s beginning I began my week thinking: I have two sermons to prepare for. Then, I have two Bible classes to prepare for. Then, there are the counseling sessions, and Bible studies in people’s homes, or at the Church building. Then the unexpected hospital visit, or the funeral to prepare for that wasn’t anticipated.
We have all experienced days of “Stress.” Most likely not to the extent that the Apostles experienced, but we have had those days, and times, WHEN NOTHING GOES RIGHT! I love (2 Peter 1:3-4)! You see, I believe the Bible when it says there is a reward waiting for the faithful Christian in Heaven. I believe that! I believe in the fact that we will UNDERSTAND IT ALL BY AND BY! I believe that!
Have you ever wondered why the Bible is referred to as “A Good Book?” Millions are the volumes of books written down through the ages. Listen to what James says in our text: “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. In the exercise of His will he brought us forth by the Word of Truth, so that we might be, as it were the first fruits of His creatures.Millions of people simply do not want the Bible to be true.
(Isaiah 40:15) “Behold, the nations are as a drop in the bucket and are counted as the small dust in the balance: Behold, He takes up the isles as a very little thing.” (Psalm 103:14) For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.”
