Tomorrow's Promise

In the days of the prophet Elisha, there was a great famine because of a siege against the city. The people were distressed, death and captivity seemed certain.  Yet the Lord told Elisha to tell the people, “Tomorrow, about this time, a measure of fine flour shall be sold for shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel.”  It seemed too good to be true! One ruler sarcastically remarked, “If the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this word come to pass?”  But it did.

The Bible is filled with examples of God intervening when everyone thought there was no hope.  Think of the grief-stricken disciples who despaired knowing Jesus’ body lay guarded in the tomb. But the third day brought a new dawn – resurrection morning – the victory of life over death, and the world has been changed forever.

We are given the same promise of sudden intervention. Because Jesus lives and is returning, there is a sudden “tomorrow” which we await. The Bible uses terms like: “In that day,” … “In that hour” … “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” … “suddenly.”

The faithless attitude of our world says, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”  But the faith-filled attitude of God’s people says: “Let us serve Christ, for tomorrow we reign with Him” … “Let us share Christ’s sufferings, for tomorrow we share His glory” … “Let us work with fervent love, for tomorrow comes an indescribable rest.”

Hope in Christ is the “confident and cheerful anticipation of coming good, because Jesus lives.” Yes, the Bible says there are “windows in Heaven” that really can open. But what we’re waiting for is the Door and the return of the King. Our “tomorrow” is coming, and knowing this, we can trust Him with all our hearts today.

Maranatha.

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)