The Last Hurrah

by Jan 27, 2017Devotional1 comment

Proverbs 29:26 Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment comes from the LORD.

      I was thinking about the words that were recorded about one of the kings who ruled over Judah. Amaziah reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem and did some good things for the country and the people. However, the point God brings out about him is not that flattering. 2 Chro. 25:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.
      In other words, “He was just so so.” Not quite the last thing you want God to say about your life and existence while you were here on earth living out God’s assignment for your life. He did things right, but his heart just wasn’t into it and his heart was not submitted to God.

      The words “Well done faithful servant” may not be what is heard on that day for many who have taken the same attitude toward God and life. Col. 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Making our last hurrah count for God and His kingdom can only be done through God’s salvation plan and His only. God the Father has given us Jesus as our saving Lord. Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
      We have all heard of people who try to make their last years on earth count for something. Some try to fulfill a bucket-list of things and events that must get done before passing. Others start the long arduous journey of apologizing to those they hurt throughout their careless lives. Some travel the world looking for the guru that can give them the assurance they desperately need to allay their fears of an unknown eternity. Many get involved in doing good works to gather ingratiating points for the day they stand before God, hoping it will be enough to pass muster so to speak. Prov. 29:26 Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment comes from the LORD. 
      However, like King Amaziah, these people are doing these things without the heart of God, nor having God in their hearts as they go about finalizing their reason for living. Their last hurrah may end up being a whimper in the eyes of God. The people themselves may think what they are doing is great, but not if Christ is not leading their charge.
      I found an interesting small verse in the book of Romans. The Apostle Paul is leaving instructions to the people in Christ, and one of the things he says to do is “Greet Apelles.” What he says has great weight. Rom. 16:10a Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ. Another translation says Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. 
      Now that is a last hurrah. To have these words written about your character far outweighs the comment King Amaziah got. Imagine having these words beside your recorded name in the word of God; tested and approved in Christ. I do not know what Apelles did for a living or what he did for the church, but these words sure do inspire me to be like-minded. 
      The history of God’s (ekklesia) church is being written and recorded by God to this day. Wouldn’t it be nice to hear these words alongside of “Well done faithful servant for you have been tested and approved in Christ.” As I become more intentional in the work and ministry of the Lord, I am leaning toward having the words Apelles is known for over my life. I would like my last hurrah on this earth to be noticed by God for the right reason. Not because I was half-hearted, but rather I had been tested and approved in Christ. By the grace of God, may it be so. In Jesus name.
Find Other Devotions About:

1 Comment

  1. Anonymous

    I like this.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sir Norm’s Proverbial Comment

Stop Watering Dead Plants

Fear Of Normal

Proverbs 10:24 What the wicked fears will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. The amazing transformation that took place in the mind, body, and soul of the madman of Gadara is a powerful demonstration of the love and power of Jesus Christ....

The Best Day Of My Life

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.              There are a lot of self-proclaimed gurus, life coaches, and mind-altering advisors these days vying for our attention. They claim we can create...

A Voice Of Understanding

Proverbs 8:1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?         John 1:23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ” There is a vast wilderness of...

Fooled By Tomorrow

Proverbs 3:28 Do not say to your neighbour, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.         I was talking with my friend David who over the last six months, has beat a few addictions and is still overcoming them day by day. I...

Honourable Mentions

Proverbs 18:24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.              In the Pastoral Epistle of 2 Timothy 1 verses 16 to 18, there is an honourable mention of the help Paul received from Onesiphorus. Who...

Just A Blanket

Proverbs 18:17 There are two sides to every story. The first one to speak sounds true until you hear the other side and they set the record straight.          In the fall of 1998, I was trying to understand the war between the Serbs and Croats, and like most ethnic...

Oh Goodness

Proverbs 2:9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and integrity — every good path.       When God appeared to Moses in the wilderness, why didn't God show Moses His perfection, righteousness, justice, or holiness? Of all the attributes that God could have...

A Real Tell-All Book

Proverbs 20:19 One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a gossip.       I was shaking my head the other day when a news reporter was describing a new tell-all book about a person of celebrity status. The gist of the report was...

Satan Grins At Hidden Sins

Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. I heard the expression, "We are as sick as our secrets.” and I was reminded of people who have chosen to walk in disobedience to God's directions and...

In Faith We Trust

Proverbs 13:13 He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.         Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who...

The Lie You Are Living

Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked.         The above proverb has an interesting twist to it. If I am living a lie, then my counsel or advice to myself will be corrupt because I will continue to propagate the lie I am...

Mythical Beings And Mysteries

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.              Mythical beings that have risen from folklore and superstition throughout history are strange and sometimes comical. Centaurs, vampires, werewolves,...

AudioReads

Darkness Bleeds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvnlBYHLQb0 It is easy to flow with the crowd. Make up your own mind on what you see going on in people's lives.

Spiritually Empty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrzTcPZcWQ8   If you find yourself spiritually empty, then fill yourself up with God and all that He has for you.

God In A Box

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFLy9PTBMNI We cannot contain God within any human device or box. However, we can have Him live in our hearts. How great is that?