Matthew 16: Life’s Conclusion
From that time, Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.
Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”
Matthew 16:21-22 (NKJV)
God knows the conclusion of every life. Perhaps He chooses not to regard it... because He desires all men to be saved.*
Therein, He allows us freedom of choice.** Through Old Testament prophets, He warned us.*** Through Jesus, He leads us to repentance and previews the signs of the end of times: for men, for nations, and for Earth itself.
The Teacher gives Lesson after Lesson on how to prepare for life's finale: the Do's, the Don'ts, and faith's essential proof.
No Bible holders can dare to complain that God doesn’t CLEARLY communicate what's ahead, and how to prepare ourselves.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Your homework for the Lord’s final exam is best explained by Him (and not me.) It’s also best learned on the narrow path… because each student’s test is personal.
Consider the King’s chosen disciples:
Even traveling with Him for three years,
Even witnessing so many wonders,
Even hearing all of His Words firsthand…
They still didn’t fully grasp His lessons, nor the tests they were yet to undertake.
But praise God that His Spirit tutored them, just as He tutors you and me today. So, in conclusion, consider two things:
Your final act on Earth could come today. This certainty is thrilling and sobering. If you’re feeling any apprehension, like you haven't been doing your homework, then read His Book like there's no tomorrow, ask and receive your Teacher’s extra help, stop side-stepping your crucial need-to-dos, multiply the talents He’s given you, and live every day as He directs.
Don't lean on any preacher BUT JESUS to personally guide and light your path. Repeatedly with growing emphasis (especially in the New Testament), the Bible warns us about false shepherds: editors of His Word for their profit, leaders of naive sheep to the slaughter. In preparing for life’s concluding test, go directly to the Author Himself.****
Matthew 16: Life’s Conclusion (Part 18)
* 'Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the Sight of God our Savior, Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth' (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
** 'I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live' (Deuteronomy 30:19).
*** 'Therefore, you, O son of man, say to the house of Israel: 'Thus you say, 'If our transgressions and our sins lie upon us, and we pine away in them, how can we then live?' ' Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord God, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live' ' (Ezekiel 33:10-11).
**** You may have a wonderful pastor and a Spirit-filled congregation. If so, praise God. If not, keep looking for them. Nevertheless, the wisest pastor on earth cannot teach like Jesus and God's Holy Spirit. (And certainly not I) No one can educate, prepare and polish you like The Source. Excellent church leaders and friends should be confirming His Word, but they cannot take replace It.
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!