Sunday, December 18, 2011

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - End of Story

Jesus, the Savior is born.

Though the world did not know it, a new world order had begun. A brand new King had come to usher in God's Kingdom.

Nothing would ever be the same again.

In many ways, this was the beginning of life.

Yes, God created the heavens and the earth, and everything in it. That was the beginning beginning. The very first spark of life. The generation of all that is.

But the word *beginning* goes beyond that.

I love these words – commencement, opening, launch, foundation, establishment, inauguration.

Baby Jesus – the Beginning of Life.

But how does the story end?

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" is found in Daniel, and it prophesies the ending:

"I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge.
His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool.
He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence.
Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him.
Then the court began its session, and the books were opened." (Daniel 7:9-10)

The first thing that occurred to me as I read this passage was the vision of all the angels. Those are the very same angels who watched with bated breath as Jesus, the eternal Son of God, was born into humanity.

Can you even imagine the hush that fell over the heavens at that moment?

Especially Gabriel.

The one who had been given the privilege of telling Mary about the secret plan of God.

I'm sure he hovered close by during the entire pregnancy, during the long trip to Bethlehem, during Mary's labor, and during the actual birth. Did he breathe a sigh of relief when Jesus was delivered safely?

And then, did his eyes grow as big as saucers as he looked at the miracle of God Incarnate – a baby with his Master’s eyes?

Glorious.

And yet, it was the moment that the angels were given their marching orders. War had begun on a level never before seen. The enemy was very, very angry. Spiritual conflict took on new meaning. I can see Gabriel turn to the angelic host and cry out, "Brethren, to arms!"

We who believe in the Savior – including the ones that came before us, and the ones who will follow us – have joined them in the fight.

We fight until the day when Daniel's vision comes true.

And it will come true – God has promised.

There is a court date on the calendar for every person, every nation, every authority in heaven and on earth. At the end of all time, there will be judgment.

"Then the court began its session…"

Can you imagine the hush that will fall over the heavens at this moment?

"…and the books were opened."

I'll bet not even a pin dropping would make a noise.

The end of the beginning, and the beginning of the end commences.

Daniel continues, "I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal – it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13-14)

(I just have to interject a holy WOO HOO here! OK, I feel better now…)

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" is like the period at the end of a sentence. A sentence that began this way, "She gave birth to her first child, a son" (Luke 2:7) – and ends with these words, "And the books were opened, including the Book of Life…Nothing evil will be allowed to enter…but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." (Revelation 20:12; 21:27)

Yes, the beginning of the story began with a hush – and yet, in a nondescript manger war was declared.

But, one day the story will end – and the Son of God will reign.

I can only imagine the thunderous sound of saved souls and the heavenly host joined together in praise, worship, celebration, triumph…

"GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO."

Amen.


What does the birth of Jesus mean to you – both now and in the future?


(Today I am linked with Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

7 comments:

  1. Thank you for so beautifully sharing the hope of everything... Jesus! I am so blessed to have found you my Westmont buddie, and I love every blog you write! You have a way of saying things to clearly and honestly, and I GET it every time.

    Merry Christmas my friend, to you and your precious family!

    xo

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  2. Dear Sharon,

    Thank you for all you share here and for all the encouragement you send me on my blog.

    Christmas Love and Blessings to you and may you and your family have a Very Happy Peaceful Christmas and a joyful New Year.

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  3. Oh WOW and holy WOOOHOOO to you Sharon for this one! I love how you began and ended this one. Apparently, you are learning about such things from the Master. I loved the part about the angel Gabriel recognizing His Father's eyes. That stunned me.

    What I really loved was the trip backward ... forward... to the book of Daniel. For two gals who love drama, didn't we pick the most awesome Drama King to serve? Yes. I think we did.

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  4. And I'm so glad that our names are written in that book.

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  5. You amaze me with all your writings. But this was just beautiful. sandie

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  6. Amazing love isn't it? WOO HOO.
    "GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO."
    I hope I dream about angels...

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  7. So true. You expressed it so well. No doubt about it. The prophecy will come true for His coming again as it did for His first coming to this earth.
    Christmas blessings,
    Charlotte

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

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