20 Dec January 12th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT PHILIPPI

THE LORD IS NEAR

Philippians 4:5b “The Lord is near.”

In order for your GPS system in your car or on your phone to help you arrive at your destination, it depends upon proper programing.  In the computer field there has been a long-standing phrase, “garbage in-garbage out.”  Of course, what this means is if you input the wrong data your computer will give you the wrong answer.

There is a parallel to what I wrote in the first paragraph when it comes to your spiritual life.  What is programed into your heart and soul will determine what direction you will take in living out your earthly life.  If you input the ways of the world, concentrate on the earthly things, live to party and party to live you will live selfishly, with hollowness and ultimately disappointment.  If, on the other hand you live in constant expectation of the return of Jesus to bring this world or your life to an end and to take you to be with Him in paradise, you will not be disappointed.  And, while you live your life on earth you will do so with patience and gentleness because your life goal is to love others as you are loved by the Lord.

One of the repeated themes found throughout the New Testament is spiritual preparedness.  The Holy Spirit inspired James to write, “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!  (James 5:8-9) Through the writer to the Hebrews the Holy Spirit says to you, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.”  (Hebrews 10:36-37)

Jesus has promised you, “. . . I will come and take you to be with Me.” (John 14:16)  Through the pen of St. Paul the Holy Spirit reminds you that while you live on this earth you do so as an alien because your citizenship is in heaven.  (Philippians 3:20-21)  Today’s devotional verse encourages you to live your life programed with the knowledge that every day brings you one day closer to when Christ shall return to take you to be with Him.  “The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:5b)

Prayer:  Lord, fill my heart with Your promise to return to take me to be you and fill me with faith to live each day expecting and excited that you will come in fulfillment of Your promise.  In Your name, dear Jesus.  Amen.

Wake, awake, for night is flying,”

The watchmen on the heights are crying; “Awake, Jerusalem, arise!”

Midnight hears the welcome voices And at the thrilling cry rejoices;

“Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise? The Bridegroom comes, awake!

Your lamps with gladness take! Alleluia! With bridal care

Yourselves prepare To meet the bridegroom who is near.”

Zion hears the watchmen singing;

And all her heart with joy is springing;

“She wakes, she rises from her gloom.

Midnight hears the welcome voices And at the thrilling cry rejoices:

“Her star is ris’n, her light is come. Now come, Thou Blessed One,

Lord Jesus, God’s own Son, Hail! Hosanna!

We enter all The wedding hall To eat the Supper at Thy call.

Now let all the heav’ns adore Thee,

Let saints and angels sing before Thee

With harp and cymbals’ clearest tone.

Of one pearl each shining portal,

Where, joining with the choir immortal,

We gather round Thy radiant throne.  No eye has seen the light,

No ear has heard the might Of Thy glory; Therefore will we

Eternally  Sing hymns of praise and joy to Thee!

(LSB 516)