Pressing On! ~ Part B
Soul Snack 31/14 ...
I have a vision (well maybe just a dream) of the pearly gates.
Before me appears a balding tubby man, confining middle-age to the photo albums.
Life has passed; he lies fearfully prostrate at heaven's entrance.
Flashing through his mind, seemingly without end is his past. Pettiness, dalliances with sin, and his poorly restrained carnal appetites consume his thoughts with shame.
Before his eyes are only feet. He is very close to this person, but he dare not look up. These feet are shod in a divine glow. The sandals are old, very old. They were sown in the ancient Middle East - but are perfect. These feet carry two healed scars; one upon the top of each foot. The scars no longer hurt; they are now merely a testimony.
This fallen man holds no worthiness, personal righteousness, or claim of his own to be present at the pearly gates. He utterly knows this. He is so undeserving that he even refuses to elevate his eyes. He waits motionless. Surrounding, indeed bathing him is a warm and affirming silence. His fear fades.
The feet that once wore torture move almost imperceptibly forward. The owner bends down, and places a glorious adornment upon the fallen's head. Only then are the prostrate's hands lifted, and his body raised. He is then crowned a second time with the only affirmation he desired - well done good and faithful servant.
There is nought else to live for, there is nothing of the earth that goes close.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Cast your eyes higher than your cares, and live above the air - for the Crown of Righteousness waits. Keep the faith.
O Lord, I lift my eyes to you. Please show me each and every day the crown you have with my name upon it. AMEN
"The toil will be easier if we have the profit before our eyes." ~ Bernard of Clairvaux
Today's Soul Snippet:
Love can no more be contained than water can be compressed.
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