Revelation Day 54 - Afraid or Inspired?

DAY 54
Afraid or Inspired?
2 Timothy 1:7

Jesus Christ is returning to judge the living and the dead. 

Here’s my question: Does that scare you, or does that inspire you?

If you’re scared, why? Dig a little deeper into your fear. Are you afraid of the process of dying? Are you afraid of the uncertainty of death? Are you afraid you won’t measure up at the final judgment? Are you afraid of being away from God forever?

You don’t have to be afraid. “Do not fear” is one of the most frequently repeated commands in Scripture. Yes, there are sobering realities in life that we naturally react to with fear, but God doesn’t want us to live in a state of fear or anxiety. Paul the Apostle told his ministry trainee, Timothy, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

When you think about it, Jesus’s return and judgment are good news! They’re good news because it means the end of evil, the end of sin, the end of death, the end of suffering. All that can be yours if you trust Jesus with your life. 

Listen again to the gospel, the good news! God created us to be with him. Our sins separate us from God. Sins cannot be removed by good deeds. Paying the price for our sins, Jesus died and rose again. Everyone who believes in him has eternal life. Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever. 

You can tell him today with a simple prayer: sorry, thank you, please. “Jesus, I’m SORRY for my sin. Forgive me. I turn away from doing wrong. THANK YOU for dying and rising to save me. PLEASE come into my life. Be my lord and my savior. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Change me from the inside out. AMEN.” If you already trust Jesus, reaffirm your commitment today.

REFLECT
Do you treat Jesus’s return and the judgment as good news? Do these make you afraid or inspire you?

PRAY
Lord, I trust you. I love you. I look ahead with hope to the day of your return. I lay all my fears at your feet. Amen.