The Daily Devotional
Thursday, November 21, 2024
The Certainty of Our Mortal Journey
And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
Introduction
Hebrews 9:27 states, "And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment." This verse confronts us with the inescapable truth of our mortality and the divine appointment we all must keep. It's a reminder that life on earth is finite, and what follows is a direct consequence of our earthly journey.
Reflection
The concept of death as an appointment is sobering. Each of us has a set time unknown to us, much like a surprise meeting added to our calendar by God Himself. It's a profound thought that can stir anxiety, but also inspiration.
Consider the story of a clockmaker named Thomas. Thomas spent his life designing elaborate clocks, each more intricate than the last. As he aged, his friends noticed that he began to focus less on the aesthetics of his clocks and more on their reliability and accuracy. When asked about this shift, Thomas explained, "A clock that tells time precisely serves its purpose until the end. I wish my life to be the same—to serve faithfully and well, for when my last hour comes, it should find me ready, not regretful."
This anecdote mirrors our journey. We are all clockmakers in a sense, crafting our days, knowing that each tick of the clock brings us closer to the moment we meet our Maker.
Application
How do we apply the sobering truth of Hebrews 9:27 to our lives? By living intentionally and purposefully. Each decision and each action should be made with the awareness that we are shaping not just our earthly legacy but our eternal destiny. We should strive to be like Thomas's clocks—reliable, accurate, and true until the end.
Conclusion
The appointment of death is one that we can neither postpone nor prepare for at the last minute. It calls us to live each day fully, with the knowledge that our choices have weight and our actions have consequences. Let this understanding not lead us into fear but into a life lived with purpose and hope, looking towards the eternal life promised to us through Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Remind us of the brevity of life and the certainty of our appointment with death and judgment. Help us to live each day for You, crafting a life of faithfulness and purpose. May we meet our end with confidence, not in our deeds, but in Your grace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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