Steven A. Bush - December 29, 2024
In Life or Death--Our Lord is Ever Near
It's good to remember the Lord is with us now and also when we pass into His presence. Here's some passages to affirm this amazing truth. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 says: "For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep (alive or dead) we might live with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (ESV) Romans 14:7-9 echoes: "For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose--to be Lord both of the living and of the dead." (NLT) It is good for us to remember that God's children are never where He is not. Even when we feel alone we are not alone. Psalm 139:7-10 says it so well as the Psalmist prays: "Can I go anywhere apart from Your Spirit? Is there anywhere I can go to escape Your watchful presence? If I go up into heaven, You are there. If I make my bed in the realm of the dead, You are there. If I ride on the wings of morning, if I make my home in the most isolated part of the ocean, even then You will be there to guide me; Your right hand will embrace me, for You are always there." (VOICE) The nearness of God truly is our good! O Lord God, draw us ever nearer to Yourself!
Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, Romans 14:7-9, Philippians 1:20-24, Psalms 73:28, Psalms 139:1-12, Job 19:23-27