New Year’s Eve

Another year has passed away into eternity. How rapidly did time go! How fast are we driven with time to eternity. Moses says:

Threescore years and ten we tarry,
Fourscore years the strong may stay,
Long the load of grief to carry,
Till at last we fly away.

Death and eternity await us. The end of this life shall come—it may come soon! Every year draws to a close. Our end shall come also. Soon we shall draw our last breath. What shall our end be? “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.” But… “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.”

Peter says: “But the end of all things is at hand.”

The end of the Jewish existence in Canaan was at hand. After Peter’s death came the destruction Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24. The temple was utterly demolished, there were no more services, the Jews were cut off from the land of Canaan and almost completely dispersed. Cod is righteous and His Word shall stand. Terrible destruction came upon Jerusalem, but the followers of Christ were safe in the little town of Pella.

The words of Peter may be applied to our life also. Many have experienced it this year. Our life is as a hand-breadth; it passes away as a tale that is told. Read Psalms 39 and 90.

When death comes, all things of this life pass away for us: our home, possessions, present life, honor and friends, church attendance, outward rest and peace.

When death comes, what a change it brings about! It is a blessing for God’s people. All misery, sinning, cross-bearing, weeping and groaning, troubles and conflicts shall have ended. But woe to the sinner that dies in his sin! What a terrible change! He shall experience that the goodness of God has ended eternally.

The end of all things is at hand:

(1) The end of this world. This end is approaching rapidly. Have we light to watch the signs of time? Take heed to the words of Jesus, the great Prophet; read the last book of our dear Bible also. Woe to those who have a portion in this world only, those who are not strangers and pilgrims here below, but who are in the world and of the world.

(2) The end of all things here. The elements shall burn, and we all will have come to our eternal destination. Where shall our eternal dwelling place be? Shall it be hell? Shall it be heaven? Oh Lord, do prepare us and our children in Thy way and work for a blessed eternity. Oh, that we may eternally dwell where there shall be no more night!

Oh, that we might by grace take heed to the solemn admonition of Peter, “Be ye therefore sober.” Be sober in food and clothing; be modest, and walk in all simplicity and humility before God and man. Be sober in all manner of conversation, both in your daily calling and in other contacts with friends and associates. Let your conversation be heavenly and godly. Read your Bible often and other orthodox books also. It may profit your precious soul.

The exhortation to be sober includes the admonition to not sin against God, but to be ardent and zealous in all good things; to fear God and walk in His ways; to fight the good fight of faith; to follow Christ in self-denial.

Peter also instructs us to “watch unto prayer.” The Apostle Paul also admonishes us to exercise ourselves therein, saying: “Be constant in prayer.” How dependent we are! At times we cannot pray, and at times we must and shall pray. Oh, to feel that constant need to pour out our heart before a prayer-hearing and a prayer-answering God in Christ Jesus! Prayer is usually called the best work of a Christian. It is a key to heaven. What did Jacob receive in prayer at Peniel? And what has been your experience?

If only there were more prayer in our closet, where only God sees us; more watching upon our watchtower and more language as that of Habak-kuk: “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.” How necessary it is to be as a watchman, elevated above the things of the world, and in the light of heavenly instructions and illuminations to see the dangers and distresses, to warn and admonish, and to seek protection under the wings of the God of Israel. Lord, teach us to pray.

Lastly, Peter admonishes, “and above all things have fervent charity (love) among yourselves.” Love is a wonderful and fruitful grace. All creatures should have love toward God and among each other, but especially the people of God, who have the love of God in their heart. Can you say at times with Peter: “Lord, Thou knowest all things. Thou knowest that I love Thee”? This love is also extended to our fellow-creatures. Love is a fruit-bearing tree in the heart and life of a Christian. But how has love waxed cold—that true and divine love given by Him, who is Love.

What a blessed end awaits true pilgrims! The days of mourning the ten days of tribulation will soon end; but their life and joy shall never end in Immanuel’s land. Jesus said, “I give unto them eternal life.”

Rev. J. Van Zweden (1888–1979) served the Netherlands Reformed Congregations of Passaic (1925-1946) and Rock Valley (1946-1975) prior to his emeritation in 1975. He also served as editor of The Banner of Truth for more than thirty years (1934–1964).

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