Father, my LORD and my God, The phrase "living in the last days" is one I have heard thrown around forever. I confess I am not one of those who tries to forecast what that means or when it will occur.
I am, however, convinced that since the atoning death of Jesus, His resurrection on Easter Sunday, and His ascension back to You, we ARE living in the Last Days.
All of Your work of redemption is done. It was sealed when Jesus cried from the cross, "It is finished."
Help me to begin today, and then every day I have left, in anticipation of the end of all time. Teach me to balance the sacred tension of my life:
Live as though I am going to die today. (Urgency)
Plan as though I am going to live forever. (Eternity)
Do both for You. Let my days be brief but bright. Let my life be a preparation for the home I cannot yet see.
I ask this expectantly in Jesus' holy and matchless name. Amen.
Verses for Today: "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son..." — (Hebrews 1:1-2)
"When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." — (John 19:30)
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." — (2 Corinthians 4:18)
"To me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." — (Philippians 1:21)
The Sacred Tension
That line about balancing "die today" and "live forever" is a classic maxim often attributed to Martin Luther ("If I knew the world were ending tomorrow, I would plant an apple tree today"). It captures the perfect posture for the believer.
Die Today/Live ForeverUrgency: No procrastination in prayer or witness.
Patience: Trusting God with long-term plans (legacy, family).
Purity: Confessing sin quickly.
Hope: Investing in things that don't fade.
Humility: Recognizing my time is short.
Confidence: Recognizing God's time is eternal.
A Thought for Today
"Help me live as though I'm going to die today and to plan as though I'm going to live forever."
To die today: Means forgiving that brother today. Sharing that gospel opportunity today. Making peace today.
To live forever: Means planting trees you might not sit under. Saving wisely so you can give generously. Building character that outlasts your physical life.
Let's walk in wisdom, folks. The calendar may tick forward, but your heart is already anchored in the Kingdom. May each of you find strength in that truth as you move through your week.
