Our Redemption is Sealed!
Over the past few weeks, just like you, I’ve seen some of the troubling reports from
Life can be defined as the physical existence of a human being. When that physical life comes to an end, there is immense pain. The blow that strikes as we hear the shocking news of death and disaster leaves us stunned. Once the numbness wears off, we begin searching for inner peace by asking the most important questions about life, death, and eternity.
After 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the Indian Ocean Tsunami, I began questioning the Lord about these core issues. I needed answers for my foundational concerns about eternity. Neither my mind, nor my heart was able to comprehend the suffering of innocent people. Anguish swept over my soul and I asked with a distraught voice, “How could God allow it? Why didn’t God stop the disaster from taking place?”
Most of us have similar questions when a deep sense of loss marks our hearts. So, I began asking other people how they cope with death and disaster. Everyone I talked with had a distinctive reply. From their varied responses, I realized that we’re all unique in how we process heal. That’s why we all need answers to our questions about eternity that are Rhema to our spirits.
Each one of us discovers wholeness through pursuing a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus and receiving guidance from the Bible, which is inspired by the Holy Spirit. As we prayerfully read the Old and New Testaments, God heals the sharp cuts that come with life. He rubs the balm of Gilead into our scratches and scrapes. In place of your deepest wound, God gently imparts His reassuring love.
Soon after 9/11, I searched for inner peace by focusing my attention on God. In prayer, the words that rose from my lips were “seal me”. I wasn’t sure why I prayed that; but over and over again, I asked the Lord to “seal me”. I studied the Bible to search for answers to what my prayer might mean. I discovered that there are only a few references in God’s Word that represent the eternal. Being sealed to the day of our redemption is one of them.
Hebrews says we are eternally sealed. To be sealed is to be preserved. It is to be guaranteed. How many times have you heard the saying, “There are no guarantees in life”? After reading my Bible, I realized that’s true. But we’re not talking about life here; we are talking about eternal life. Nothing in life is guaranteed except our salvation, which crosses over into eternal life. The only guarantee is our seal of eternal life through Jesus. That seal is the Holy Spirit himself.
Finally, I understood why I had prayed “seal me”. My spirit was crying out after the death and destruction of 9/11 for what my heart knew to be real and true. Although my mind couldn’t comprehend it, my spirit said, “It’s all about eternity! It’s all about eternal life! It’s all about redemption through the blood of the Lamb!”
Take a look at this powerful passage from the Amplified Bible:
“Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament), Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will.” (Hebrews 13:20-21, AMP)
The world we live in is a volatile and dangerous place. Nowhere is a safe place, save the High Place of Heavenly protection that is eternal in Christ. Life comes with no warranty. But, eternal life is a rose that never wilts! The Lord Jesus extends the rose of His deepest love to you today.
When you receive Jesus, God the Father places a special stamp on you and He declares with a loud voice, ________________ (fill your full name in the blank) is mine!”
You have a blessed assurance.
“Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete” (II Corinthians 1:20-22, MSG).
The promises of life found in the Bible are true beyond the physical existence you and I have in this world, for we have an eternal hope with the Lord. As we surrender our sorrows, our faith grows deep roots that enable us to be doers of God’s Word, who reach out to others who are in pain, leading them to heavenly comfort.
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:26-27, NIV).
This is how we overcome. This is how we establish a sure foundation to hold onto when terror, wind, and waves destroy -- and yes even as the ground crumbles beneath our feet.
Is there a tragedy you or a loved one has been through that you’d like to comment on?
How did you pray through your pain? How did you recover from your sorrow?
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