Many years ago, there was a man who loved God, followed His Precepts, went everywhere with others preaching and serving God. Years passed and he began to feel tired inside, he felt he was doing too much for God and too little for himself. He started talking to friends about his planned change of focus. As he thought about it, he planned about it and his dedication to God started dwindling. One day, what he had allowed to fill his heart came to fruition and he announced his departure from the faith. He felt he needed more out of a life that may not last more than a 100 years and preferred that to an eternity of a trillion times trillion years! What a foolish decision! That man was Demas. See the summary of his life in 2 Timothy 4:10 - KJV
10. For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
This message is about having the BEST in this life like Paul and others, who threw their lives into God’s Hands, living out their lives to please God and enjoying all that God provides for them. Then, afterwards, looking up to Heaven and catching a glimpse of the rewards awaiting the faithful pilgrims. Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11.
1. LIVING IN THE WORLD TO PLEASE THE LORD
John 8:29 - And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
2 Timothy 4:6-7 - For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
The Lord gave us an example to follow as we live our lives here in the World. Our living is to please the Living God. Our lifestyle is to show forth the Glory of our Creator.
When God is with us, see what happens:
• Promises are kept
• Life is fulfilling and satisfying in God
• Expectations and earnest desires are met by God in His Time as part of His Plans for us
• Abundant provision in our lives
• Surety of His Protection and Preservation in the face of apparent danger
• Encouragement constantly coming from the Lord in life’s journeys.
Jesus gave us these promises, which He gave the disciples when Peter asked about the fate of the rich in this World. He was not against people being rich. In fact, He gives power to get wealth. Deuteronomy 8:18.
Mark 10:28-31 - KJV
So, we conclude that it is not God’s Will for us to suffer want in this World. God wants the best for the people He created in His Image and much more for those who have found refuge in Him through the Blood shed by the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation, even though such may come with persecutions.
Philippians 4:18-19 - KJV
God will supply your needs and you will have the best of this life He has given you to spend, following Him and His Precepts to the end in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
However, as we spend our lives in this World, there is something more important to do –
2. LONGING FOR THE HEAVENLY HOME
2 Timothy 4:7-8 - KJV
Here are the words of a man who was focused in life. He had what he needed in life and never allowed that to shift his focus on Eternity.
How do you stay focused on eternity while here?
• Follow every Word God gives you – whether convenient or not
• Open up to God on your weaknesses and obey His Directives
• Commit, consecrate and dedicate your entire life to the cause of the gospel regardless of your secular engagement
• Understand that this life is ephemeral, and life is short but eternity in long.
• See with the eyes of God, see all things in the light of eternity and never move your gaze to concentrate on what others do – offences, accusations and persecutions of men, that could derail you.
For such people, here are what await them: Crowns!
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness
Take a look at the Crowns that await overcomers like us:
1. A Crown of life – Revelation 2:10; James 1:12.
This is the Crown for those who were tried and became triumphant saints. They did not succumb to the trial and temptations in the World. They bore and defended the Name of the Lord to the very end. They were triumphant over the adversities of life. They did not allow the challenges of life to discourage them to the point of withdrawing from serving the Lord and obeying Him.
2. An Overcomer’s Crown – Revelation 3:11.
These are people who eventually overcome and make it to the end of their race. They overcame the flesh, overcame the World, overcame self, and overcame the evil counsel of men that could have led them away from the Lord.
3. A Crown of glory which fadeth not -1 Peter 5:4 –
This is the Crown for pastors, leaders and ministers for feeding the flock of God. True ministers who stand to their calling. They are faithful in the delivery of God’s undiluted truth to His Flock. They are such the Bible talks about - “nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God” 2 Cor 4:2. They wrest not the scriptures to suit their own selfish and covetous minds. They preach Christ and not themselves. 2 Cor 4:3-4. They are careful not to wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction. 2 Pet 3:16.
4. A Crown of Righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8.
This is the Crown for finishing our race successfully and loving His Appearance. It is for those who look for Him. Hebrew 9:28. They live their lives as if Christ would come today. They are not careless, not indolent, not forgetful Christians who know little, talk little, pray little, mind little about the Lord’s Coming. They live their lives in the light of the Lord’s Imminent Return for His Own. Whether they are awake or asleep, they are constantly in reminder of the Lord’s Sudden Appearance. They are not careless with their lives, works, words and walk.
5. A Crown of Rejoicing – 1 Thessalonians 2:19.
This is the Crown for soulwinners. These are people who labour and go into every part of their Communities to search for lost souls in order to bring them to Christ. They are not contented with sitting down in Church Pews, not contented with being given titles or made officers in a Church but are hungry for precious souls to be added to the Kingdom. All their thoughts as they interact with people, friends, family members and co-workers and neighbours as well as strangers, is that “is this person saved? Is this person part of God’s Kingdom?” As much as possible, they tailor their discussions and conversations towards salvation.
6. An Incorruptible Crown – 1 Corinthians 9:25.
This the Crown for those who believe, teach and practice all that is contained in God’s Infallible, Incorruptible Word. They are those who realise they are in a race to win. They are not vanquished but victors. They never allow any distraction in their Heavenly Race. They keep at it, work at it, stay at it, hold on to it until they cross the finishing line.
7. A Crown of gold – Revelation 4:4.
This is the Crown for all the redeemed. If you have made Christ your Lord and Saviour, this is for you. If you have repented of your sins and appropriated the Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross to yourself, this is yours!
3. LAST WORDS OF DEPARTING SAINTS
As we close, let’s see a few words uttered by the saints who had gone ahead of us.
A. From Scriptures
Stephen:
Acts 7:55-56 - KJV
Paul:
2 Timothy 4:7-8 - KJV
B. Accounts from History
"I am going to Him whom my soul loveth, or rather who has loved me with an everlasting love, which is the sole ground of all my consolation." (John Owen)
John Owen (1616 – 24 August 1683) was an English Nonconformist church leader, theologian, and academic administrator at the University of Oxford.
"Lord Jesus, I am weary in thy work, but not of thy work. If I have not yet finished my course, let me go and speak for Thee once more in the fields, seal the truth, and come home to die." (George Whitefield) George Whitefield, also known as George Whitfield, was an Anglican cleric and evangelist who was one of the founders of Methodism and the evangelical movement. Born in Gloucester, he matriculated at Pembroke College at the University of Oxford in 1732.
"I know I am dying, but my death-bed is a bed of roses. I have no thorns planted upon my dying pillow, Heaven is already begun!" (John Pawson)
Dr. R. G. Lee was a great preacher during the 20th century. He was known for his ability to paint vivid, Spiritual pictures with his powerful preaching. Many claimed that Dr. Lee, through the Spirit of God, could make the invisible seem to be just in sight. He so dramatically portrayed the Lord and the eternal Home of the saints of God. Yet when Dr. Lee was dying, he suddenly opened his eyes and said to his wife, "I see Heaven! Oh...I didn't do it justice! I see JESUS! I didn't do HIM justice!"
Great courage can be found in the final words of General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. "I see from the number of physicians that you think my condition dangerous, but I thank GOD, if it is HIS will, that I am ready to go. It is the Lord's day; my wish is fulfilled. I have always desired to die on Sunday. Order A.P. Hill to prepare for action! Pass the infantry to the front rapidly! Tell Major Hawks...", he stopped, leaving the sentence unfinished. Presently a smile of sweetness spread itself over his pale face, and he said quietly with an expression, as if of relief, "LET US CROSS THE RIVER AND REST UNDER THE SHADE OF THE TREES."
A few hours before entering his eternal Home, Dwight L. Moody caught a glimpse of the glory awaiting him. Awakening from sleep, Moody said, "Earth recedes. Heaven opens before me. If this is death, it is sweet! There is no valley here. God is calling me, and I must go!" Moody's son was standing at his bedside and said, "No, no father. You are dreaming." Dr. Moody soon replied, "No, I am not dreaming. I have been within the gates: I have seen the children's faces." After a short time elapsed, Dr. Moody spoke once more, "This is my triumph; this is my coronation day! It is glorious!"
Dwight Lyman Moody (February 5, 1837 – December 22, 1899), also known as D. L. Moody, was an American evangelist and publisher. One of his most famous quotes was “Faith makes all things possible... Love makes all things easy.“ Moody gave up his lucrative boot and shoe business to devote his life to revivalism, working first in the Civil War with union troops through YMCA in the United States Christian commission. In Chicago, he built one of the major evangelical centers in the nation, which is still active.
Let’s pray until we receive the assurance from God that we are ready for Eternity with Him.
