And if ye call on the Father, Who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. 1 Peter 1:17
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: We are about to conclude another significant piece of our time of sojourning here… the remainder of this year is measured on the clock, not the calendar. And yet, despite all of the incredible events that have occurred over the past 12 months, the year seemed to have just begun a few days ago. Time appears to be quickening its pace. Whether by death or by rapture, our sojourning will conclude before we expect it to.
Peter tells us that our attitude toward the time of our sojourning should be fear. We may well greet the arrival of another year tomorrow (or late tonight) with celebration. But as we look backward over the past year and consider the speed of its departure, we should do so in fear.
Consider with fear the personal failures of this year: the words of love, witness, encouragement, and admonition unsaid, the deeds of kindness and mercy unperformed, and the goals and resolutions that were so boldly spoken as the year began that still remain unfulfilled. Reward for all these things is forever lost.
Fear too for the disappointments of the year, the loved ones still unsaved, the animosities unresolved, the difficulties and troubles still unmended.
You will also mark the passing of your sojourning in the fear of God, that is, in deep humility to recognize that all of the wonderful events and achievements and preservations of the past year are gifts that God Himself has given you. Be truly thankful, yes, but acknowledge that it was His strength, not yours, that enabled these successes, these victories, these steps of progress.
The passing of the time of your sojourning is a year closer to ending as you read these words. Compared to this time last year, you are a whole year closer to being a piece of business for the local undertaker and a participant in the blessed resurrection of the just. -Jim MacIntosh