June 29

Morning

For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. — 1 Thess 4:14 BSB

Let us not think that the soul falls into a state of unconsciousness after death. Christ’s comforting words to the thief on the cross were, "Today you will be with Me in paradise." This promise is true for every believer. Though we "sleep in Jesus," our souls are immediately in the presence of God, praising Him day and night in His heavenly temple, singing hallelujahs to the One who has washed us from our sins by His blood.

Our bodies may rest in the earth, under a blanket of grass, but this "sleep" is not one of inactivity. The biblical image of sleep implies rest—a pause from the trials and labors of this world. Just as sleep restores and refreshes the body after a day’s work, so too does death bring rest to the toil-worn believer, like a child cradled in its mother’s arms.

Happy are those who die in the Lord! They rest from their labors, and their works follow them. Their rest will remain unbroken until the day when God calls them forth to receive their full reward. Guarded by angelic hosts, wrapped in the mystery of eternity, they sleep on in peace, the inheritors of glory, waiting for the fullness of time when they will experience the fullness of their redemption. What a glorious awakening that will be! Though they entered the grave weary and worn, they will rise in beauty and strength. The seed, sown in weakness and dishonor, will be raised in glory, a radiant flower of eternal life. Blessed is death, for through God’s power, it strips away the worn-out garment of this life, preparing us to be clothed in the incorruptible garments of the resurrection. Blessed are those who "sleep in Jesus!"

Evening

And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah’s heart. — 2 Chr 32:31 BSB

Hezekiah grew proud of his spiritual achievements, and this self-righteousness led to a period of spiritual decline. When we rely on ourselves, we risk losing the active workings of God's grace, just as Hezekiah did when God momentarily withdrew His grace to test him.

Without the sustaining grace of God, even the most faithful Christian is capable of falling into the worst of sins. If God were to leave us to our own devices, those who are most passionate for Christ would become as lukewarm as the church in Laodicea. Those who are sound in doctrine could quickly become entangled in false beliefs, and those who walk uprightly might stumble and fall into evil.

Like the moon, we shine only with borrowed light. When grace shines on us, we reflect God’s glory; without it, we are nothing but darkness. This is why we must constantly cry out to God, "Do not take Your Holy Spirit from us!" We must ask Him to keep us in every season of life—in moments of humility, in times of success, in our youth, and in our old age. Without His keeping, we would falter, no matter the stage of life.

"Lord, keep us everywhere! Keep us when we are in the valley, so we do not grow bitter; keep us when we are on the mountaintop, so we do not become proud. Keep us in our youth, when we are vulnerable to passion; keep us in our old age, when we may grow conceited in our wisdom. Keep us when we face death, so we do not deny You. Keep us in our living, our dying, our work, and our rest. We need You at all times, in all places, and in all things!"