And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure just as He is pure. 1 John 3: 3, New Living Translation
Dear Lord, we look to You with the hope that You will reveal all that is in Your Word for us today. In Jesus’ name we pray.
I am sure we have made mention of this text before, while discussing another topic; nevertheless, today we will look at it as our promise. The first question we want to answer is: What is this eager expectation? And the answer is found in the first two verses of John, chapter 3: to be like Jesus at His return to earth, to claim His faithful children! This is the same eager expectation that enabled the martyrs to face the flames, the lions, and the rack. It is the same expectation that gave courage to the Waldenses, as they risked their lives, and the lives of their children, day after day, to take the Word of God to souls in darkness. It is the same eager expectation that fortified the heroes in Hebrews’ Hall of Fame, as they were “sawn asunder,” as they wandered around in animals’ skins, in deserts, caves, and mountains, these, “of which the world was not worthy.” And it is the same expectation that inspired the song-writer to pen the words: “We have this hope that burns within our hearts, hope in the coming of the Lord. We have this faith that Christ alone imparts, faith in the promise of His Word.” It is “a lively hope!”
The question is: What is so special about this expectation that makes it so powerful? Why has it been considered worth dying for? I do not know what anyone else would answer to this question, but permit me to share with you what it means to me. It means seeing my Jesus face to face. This is the same Jesus who has been with me during my illnesses, my disappointments, and my temptations. It was He who kept me going when to all appearances, I could not go any further. It will be the opportunity I have long awaited to worship Him in person. I will fall on my face in His presence, and I will take the crown that He will give me, and lay it at His feet in adoration and in gratitude! It will mean that I can tell Him to His face what His love has meant to me, and what it has done for me! I will tell Him that it was when I did not feel very good about myself that His love wrapped itself around me, and gave me hope and a future! The eager expectation will be realized when I see Jesus, and spend the ceaseless ages of eternity with Him. I can hardly wait for that day to come!
And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure just as He is pure. What is it about this hope that keeps you pure? We know that nothing sinful will enter the earth made new (Galatians 5: 19-21; Revelation 22: 14, 15). Those who enter the gates of the New Jerusalem will be like Jesus, because we will see Him as He is. But we will not wait until that day for the process to begin. Every day, we must die to self, and allow Christ to live His life within us. Those who arrive at the gate will have already experienced a change of desire, a change of heart. It is as we read about seeing Jesus, sing about it, testify about it, share the joy of it with others, that “by beholding we will become changed.” The process of “being like Him” that began here on earth, through our personal relationship with Him, will be perfected in heaven, when we shall “see Him as He is.”
May God help us to be ready for that day. Nothing in this world can be compared to it! Until then, be faithful!
NOTE: Hopefully, this will be our last late publication. I have returned home. Thanks for continuing to visit “our” website (yours and mine), in spite of the irregularities. May God abundantly bless you!