Friday, March 21, 2025
Daniel 12:1-4, NIV
“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”
Reflection - Susan L. Ross, Linfield United Church of Christ, Linfield
Dining at a popular restaurant, flying to a desired destination, or going to a concert, all require a reservation or ticket and some preparation to ensure the restaurant fits you in, to board the plane, or to attend the event.
The same may be said for eternal life….Do I have a reservation in God’s book?
Lent reminds us of the promise of resurrection and hope for eternal life after death.
Along life’s journey, we will encounter times of great difficulty and hardships – mistakes, failures, shortcomings, uncertainty, disappointments, illness, and death. Through these challenging times, we trust that God and the Holy Spirit will provide the guidance, spiritual wisdom, strength, and forgiveness needed to persevere.
Life on earth is our time of preparation to fulfill God’s assignment to know and love Him and teach others to know and love Him. We do this by living a faithful life dedicated to Him and his teachings through our words and actions.
God’s plan and its timing are only known to Him. Now is the time to prepare, to live with integrity, to do God’s will, to minister to others, to love one another, to learn, to educate others, to be active, and to grow in one’s faith.
Prayer: God, thank you for granting us strength and perseverance to carry on in challenging times. Thank you for the promise of resurrection. Help us live a faithful life through actions that reflect your righteousness and bring honor to Your name. Amen.
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