Farewell
Good Morning,
I write and speak often of our eternal future. I have heard some people say that they are more concerned about how we live today and that eternity will take care of itself. Perhaps that is a good view, but if you knew a policeman was down the road a mile, would you not adjust your driving according to your future?
Let me assure you, a policeman is down the road, and far more significant than a policeman, a righteous Judge. The parable in Luke 19 speaks of a king leaving a pound for each of his servants to “steward” in his absence. Upon returning, the king asked for an accounting of what each servant had earned: one earned ten times what he was given, one earned five times what he was given, and one nothing at all.
Luke 19:15 “And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.”
vs. 16 “Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.”
vs. 17 “And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.”
The third came before the king and faced a horrible moment.
vs. 22 “And he saith unto him, out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant.”
Most people believe that only evil people will be judged, but there is no end of Scripture indicating the saved will also be judged.
Let me urge you to use your talents for God while you can. Whatever God has given us was given for His glory, not for our pleasure. Use what you have to make God look good, to bring pleasure to God, to honor His Son, to lift up His Book, and to bring folks into His house.
There is an old song about the return of Christ that has this line, “fare thee well.” That phrase became a farewell statement to most people, like “goodbye,” but originally the intent was to wish people well. “I hope you fare well” meant to fare well at the market, in farming, or in business. The song says, when Jesus comes, I hope you “fare well.”
“In That Great Gettin’ Up Mornin’"
I'm gonna tell you about the comin’ of the judgement,
fare thee well, fare thee well.
I'm gonna tell you about the comin’ of the judgement,
fare thee well, fare thee well.
There's a better day a comin’, fare thee well fare the well.
There's a better day a comin’, fare thee well fare the well.
In that great gettin’ up mornin’, fare the well, fare the well.
In that great gettin’ up mornin’, fare the well, fare the well.
Let us so live that when Jesus comes, and we face the judgment, we “fare well.”
Pastor