The Finish Line
by Peter Brokaar
Today marks the end of another year. Our planet has completed another trip around the sun. As we reflect on what has been, we also wonder what will be. How many more years do we have here on earth, and what will they be like?
One of my personal highlights of 2022 was seeing the Mount of Olives with my own eyes. We read in the Scriptures that this is the place Jesus left from when He ascended into heaven. What’s more, it is also the place where He will return to. As we looked out unto the Mount of Olives our tour guide pointed towards it and said: “Look folks, there is the finish line!”
As it says in Zechariah 14:4, ‘On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south.’ When Jesus puts His feet again on the earth, He comes to claim His rightful authority and will put all things right. What a day that will be!
I don’t know what 2022 has been like for you. Your year may have been filled with challenges. One thing is certain: These challenges won’t end today. In fact, Jesus predicted that, before His return, the challenges we face on this earth will only grow stronger. But He did not say this to depress us. He said that, when we experience these difficulties, we should look up and know that His return is very near.
It’s a great comfort to me that the earth won’t endlessly be spinning in space. I am so glad that life is neither aimless nor purposeless. God is outworking His plan. None of His words will fail, and absolutely everything He has purposed in His heart will happen. He is working towards fulfilling His goals and, when everything is fulfilled, we will have reached His finish line.
My own prayer is that I will remain watchful and faithful until I meet the Lord, whether I go up, or He comes down first. As we thank Him for the year that has been, and prepare for the year that will be, let’s together keep our eyes firmly on Him.
Peter Brokaar is Director of Ellel Ministries Scotland and has been there together with his wife Liz since 2005. They have 3 kids, all born in Scotland! In his free time he likes reading, cooking, running and surfing. Being at Ellel Scotland has given him the privilege of getting to know God deeper and sharing that joy with many others.
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