Standing Before God

All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.

Revelation 3:5

IMAGINE THE SITUATION. You’re out there in the crowd. Just standing and watching. Wondering what will happen next.

The president of the United States stands at the podium. He seems to be looking around. Then suddenly, his eyes stare into yours. He calls you to come forward, and a second later you’re standing up there with him for all to see. Before he asks a question, though, or tells you to speak, he begins reeling off all your great achievements, from the time you refused to tell a lie as a first grader to how you saved that little boy from drowning last year. He recounts your exploits, reminding the crowd repeatedly that you are his friend, you’ve been loyal, and he wants to reward you with every good thing the good old USA has to offer.

Think that’s a fantasy? Perhaps in this world. But in the next one, for all of us who have allied ourselves with Jesus, that day will come. We will stand before the whole creation, and Jesus will speak of his friendship with us, his love for us, and his intent to bless us beyond anything we could imagine.

Never stop doing good. Keep fighting the good fight. Don’t give up on Jesus no matter what. His promise is that he will make all your trials here and now worth it all on that great day.