A New Year is Here Saints and Friends!
​Recently, a couple angels were having a conversation. It seems angels are pretty excited to return with Jesus to take the saints home to heaven. While every day angels are escorting people home to heaven when their time on earth is done, there is coming a moment in time when Jesus Himself is going to return for every person who has placed their faith in Him as Savior. The Bible says, ‘For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.’ 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 The angels are anticipating this!
“I’m back, Michael! I didn’t miss it, did I?” “No, you did not miss it. By the way, you did a great job thwarting that evil angel’s plan to harm that child on her way home from school!” “Thank you, Michael. Since you are an Archangel and Commander-in-Chief of God’s army, I strive to follow your example. Michael, do you have any idea when we are going to descend with Jesus and bring the saints home to heaven?” “No, I don’t. Remember what Jesus said, ‘But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven.’ Mark 13:32 But as God’s angelic creations, you and I know that God always keeps His promises.” “That is certainly true, Michael. Through the centuries, our Creator has sent me on numerous occasions to fulfill promises He has made to people. I remember one time, when the apostle Peter was put in prison by Herod the king. Herod said he was going to kill Peter the next day. But Jesus had promised Peter that he would live a long life. John 21:18 So God sent me to break Peter out of prison. Even though Peter was chained to Roman soldiers and we had to pass other soldiers on our way out, you would think they never saw us. Acts 12:10 Once we reached the gate – it opened by itself. I came back to heaven and Peter realized that God had sent me to set him free. He continued to live the life that Jesus promised him. Another time, God sent me to minister to a poor widow who was praying in the little town of Bethany. Hebrews 1:14
While I was there, I heard Jesus promise two sisters, Mary and Martha, that their brother, Lazarus, would live again. John 11:23 They walked over to the tomb where Lazarus had been placed. Jesus called out, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’ At the command of Jesus’ voice, He kept His promise as Lazarus came out of the tomb! The greatest promise Jesus made that I was actually a part of is when He told His disciples that after He was crucified, He would rise again on the third day. Matthew 16:21 I was given the privilege of greeting the women when they came to His tomb on the third day. I told them, ‘He is not here, for He is risen, as He promised!’ Matthew 28:6 Michael, I sometimes wonder if God’s crowning creation, mankind – especially Christians – would live their lives differently if they thought more about God’s uncompromising promises?” “I concur, Charles. We have witnessed and participated in so many of His wonderfully fulfilled promises that we have no doubt that every word He has said will certainly come to pass. Jesus promised those who trust in Him, ‘I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.’ John 14:2-3 People just can not imagine what Jesus has waiting for them here in heaven. He has sent out the invitation in the form of a promise. To think, His greatest promise of all is offered to every person around the world! And they are the words He is most remembered to have said. Sadly, too many people do not take Him at His word – ‘That God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.’” John 3:16 “How great it would be if more people would tell God from their heart: ‘God, I take You at Your word that You love me. That You sent Jesus to pay for all of my sins when He died and rose again. Help me to live for You according to Your Word and Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.’
Michael, one of Jesus’ last promises in the Bible is for all of God’s children on earth. He said, ‘Behold, I am coming quickly!’” Revelation 3:11 “Yes. And that promise is a reminder to us angels in heaven as well, to be ready at all times to go with Him!”