THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR

SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER 2023

Reference: 2 Timothy 3 King James Version (KJV)

"This know also, that in the last days..."

I understand that when we complete the latter part of the versified statement, referenced above, it reads, "...perilous times shall come", but this is not what today's message is all about.

I have borrowed the strength of this statement, "This know also, that in the last days..." in order to mark the significance of the last day of this year.

In the book of John chapter 11, the Bible talks about Lazarus from Bethany, who had two sisters, namely Mary and Martha. When he became sick, the sisters sent a message to Jesus, saying, "Lord, the one you love is sick." When Jesus heard this, He said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it."

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. But when he heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was for two more days. In a nutshell, on His arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him, but Mary stayed at home. Lord, Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." Then Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

Here is the striking answer from Martha: "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day" (John 11:24 ESV). Although she meant the end of time, I want to draw our attention to significance of another kind of the last day, which is today. A true appreciation of experiencing the last day of the year should make us eager to trust, believe and hold God by His Word. No matter the feeling of any disappointment associated with an expectation yet to come to pass, you should be overcome by the knowledge that continual obedience to God's Word and believing that He hasn't finished with you yet, will give you the power (or become the springboard) which you need to accelerate out of that little dismay unto higher hope of great manifestation of that expectation even today and in the new year.

There is no hopeless situation when Jesus is present, mingling and keeping company with you in your neighbourhood. Mary and Martha are a full proof. When Jesus saw Mary weeping, and the Jews who had come to visit, weeping alongside her, he was deeply moved and troubled in spirit. "Where have you laid him?" Jesus asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. Jesus wept! Notably, when the Jews noticed that Jesus wept, they said, "See how He loved him!"

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. "Take away the stone," He said. "But, Lord," said Martha, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" Regardless of the level of odor which had almost reached the highest point in the cloud within the progressive days of increased intensity, Jesus, full of tearful compassion, responded with a loud voice, saying, "Lazarus, come out!"

Are you aware that Jesus loves you just as much as He loved Lazarus, and his wonderful sisters, Mary and Martha? If so, is there anything too hard and too late for Him to do for you on this last day? Am I not saying that if you believe, you will still see the glory of God? The Word of God dynamically works for those that believe it and refuse to give up on God.

In conclusion, the versified story which I just shared shows that the true power of God can never be too late to come through for anyone who still believes it on the last day. Be notified that the demonstration of the Spirit and power of God does not go on holiday probably because the year is coming to an end. If you allow it to do so, it can work wonders in your life "today" to bring desired change and it will also prepare and position you for the change which is yet to come. Happy new year in advance...Shalom!

Scripture Reading - John 6:39; John 6:40; John 6:44; John 6:54.

Guided Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, on this day, which is the last day of the year, I have a greater measure of regard for what you have spoken concerning me and I believe it with ever more eagerness. Therefore, be it unto me according to your Word, as I obey it and receive all your goodness today by faith, in Jesus' Name, Amen!