“On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
– Revelation 22:2b
Today, begin with the end in mind and know that it’s never too late to finish well. I believe anyone who wants to finish life well, will live life well. That’s a Christian way to view the world. This viewpoint is found in the Bible, and keep in mind that the Bible is not a book, it’s a library. And each book gives us a different part of the whole story. The Bible begins and ends, with a garden theme. Envision it as a warm, beautiful and perfect place. This garden is devoted to safety, deep connectedness, the symbol of nakedness, and living without shame. Look at the way toddlers love to run around naked — they just don’t care because they have no shame and no fear of life. It’s an analogy of the beginning — the Garden of Eden. Then the Bible ends with a garden, with a tree of life that brings healing to the nations. Reading Revelations 22:1-5 gives my heart hope and nourishment for the future. For many people, the end and death are scary things, but for you, it doesn’t have to be that way. For believers, the end is sad, but it’s also sweet because you’ll see your parents and grandparents again. You’ll eat from the tree of life, and it will be more like waking up, than falling asleep. For believers, the end is always getting better. If you build your life with the end in mind, you’ll go to your grave singing a song with the Gospel in your heart, and a Heavenly home with doors wide open. So begin with the end in mind. |
Prayer
Father, help my heart to have hope and nourishment for the future.
Reflection
Have you focused on the wrong things? How do you want to finish well?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
Beautiful!