“Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”
1 John 3:2-3 ESV
We live in this imperfect world and wrestle with our own sinful nature every day. We face the reality of our own physical and spiritual weakness and vulnerability. Disease, social unrest, injustice and uncertainty are all a part of our life and we’re reminded of it all every night on the news. But we are God’s children, here and now.
God has something far better in store for us. He hasn’t given us all the details: what we will be has not yet appeared. But He has told us enough to get our attention: no more pain or sorrow; no more sickness or disease; no more wrestling with our Old Adam, our sinful nature. We know that when he appears we shall be like him.
That assurance gives us hope. No matter what happens here we have heaven to look forward to; the full experience of redemption. That hope renews our resolve to live for Him here and now. Everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Lord Jesus, You have given me “exceedingly great promises“ that make me yearn for heaven. Your precious Holy Spirit works in my heart to remind me every day that this life isn’t all there is, that there’s more and better coming. Enable me to live, today, a life worthy of the calling, as a child of God.
Pastor Dan Giles