November 30, 2016
While I realize that the first day of the week is Sunday, and Sabbath is Saturday, my life routine does not follow that schedule, because my focus is on the coming Sunday. Amid my daily ministry schedule – meetings, letters, writing, more meetings, study, prayer, visitation and many enjoyable relationships – I continually have on my mind: “Sunday is coming.” When that wonderful day of celebration is finished, I think about Monday Sabbath.
On this final day of November 2016, I am working on the four remaining Sunday messages of this year – and focused on 2017. I find myself wondering if the past 48 Sundays have been as meaningful to others as they are to me and if I gave my best effort to each one. If last Sunday turns out to be my last one on Planet Earth, will I face Jesus with confidence?
The evaluation gets even more personal when I consider that each day is a gift from God to be lived for His honor. Through faith in Jesus, He saved me to be with Him forever. He does not find enjoyment in leaving His children in this hurting world that is broken by sin, but He does keep us here for a while to tell His Story. So I have to ask myself if my words and life today told the Story He left me to tell.
If I worked for a grocery store, you should be able to follow me and find food. If I worked for a bank, you should be able to follow me and find a safe place for your money and perhaps financial counsel. If I worked for a fuel station, you should be able to follow me and take care of the needs of your car. I belong to Jesus and I am a member of His Church. You should be able to follow me and find Him.
So as I give my best energy to preparing for Sunday messages, I need to remember that every part of the work routine is an opportunity to carry Creator God’s Presence wherever I go and whatever I do. While reflecting on the past 11 months and anticipating the coming year, it is good to think back over today. Decades ago, I heard a wise man say: “Plan as though Jesus might not return for a long time but live as though He might be back today.” Good advice from a man who lived what he taught.
Pastor Bill Ehmann