No Turning Back – November 14, 2019

[F]rom the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed.
2 Thessalonians 1:9,10

No Turning Back

Second thoughts. We’ve all had them. If we have them soon enough, we still have a chance to change our minds, to go in a different direction, to make a better choice.

But sometimes there’s no turning back. Like when you decide to take your first-ever trip on a roller coaster, and you reach the pinnacle of the steepest drop. You can’t raise your hand at that point and ask the ride operator to hit the reverse button. You’ve made your choice. There’s no turning back. Second thoughts are of no help.

Second thoughts won’t help on the day Jesus returns either. When he appears in all his glory and majesty, no stubborn denier of his saving Word and work will have the chance to add, “On second thought …” It will be too late. There will be no turning back. “They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”

But that day of judgment is still in the future. Which means what? It means we all have the opportunity now to take a different posture toward Jesus and his life-giving Word. Rather than showing disregard for his saving Word, we can regard it as holy and gladly hear and learn it. Instead of running from his strong arms of salvation, we can jump into them without hesitation.

Jesus has graciously thrown us an eternal lifeline. No second thoughts; grab it!

Prayer:
Jesus, grant me your Spirit that I might confidently trust your everlasting promises and live as your child now and forever. Amen.