As we approach a new church year and the turning of the calendar,we turn to Psalm 90 and a favorite hymn, “Our God, Our Help, in Ages Past,” for insights into God’s perspective on time, and our use of the time He gives us for His glory and service.
It is always best to be ready, but ‘Last Day’ preparations are most important. Since only the Father knows the day and the hour we need to be ready now. Jesus makes it possible for us to enter eternal life through his sacrificial death. Faith in him will allow us to enter.
The throng arrayed in white are the redeemed, who have believed God’s Word, who have been cleansed from sin. They are all part of the Una Sancta. They shout victory cries and cheer us on in the faith.
On this 503rd anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, we give thanks to God for restoring to His church the central truths of the Bible, especially the key teaching that we are freed from the powers of sin and death and Satan—and are declared righteous in God’s sight, only by God’s free grace, without any merit or worthiness on our part.
The Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus in his words. Asked about paying taxes, our Lord simply said: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God, the things that are God’s.” Our hearts were cleansed and restored by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Let us liberally render our hearts to God!
There will be infinite reason to celebrate on the Last Day. Death will have been swallowed up forever. On God’s mountain we’ll celebrate with fine meat and aged wine. We will rejoice in God’s salvation.