the final exam

SCRIPTURE: Daniel 12
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. [Daniel 12:1-3]
Things will get worse before they get better, and then the end will come.
At the very end of this age, everyone will be gathered before the Judge, and He will separate between those that receive everlasting life, and those that receive everlasting disgrace.
This final judgment is like the big, final exam, at the end of my whole education (the Comprehensive Exam at the end of seminary where I was asked questions on everything that I learned).
All of the previous exams were preparatory, this one was final, required to move on the opportunity to “shine like a star bright as the sky” as a minister… well, not quite.
Are you expecting a final exam, one where your life will be the content that will be tested?

All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.’ [Matthew 25:32-34]
Jesus also speaks of this final time of separation, and like Daniel He affirms that some will inherit everlasting life, while others will not.
If we think this through, that means every person we see today, every person we have ever met or known, will one day end up either on His right or His left, will be judged and will receive what their life deserved.
He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. [Romans 2:6-8]

But wait a minute, if we are saved by grace alone, how is it that we are judged according to what we have done?
The words of Jesus tell us more; He explains that those who receive everlasting life are those that demonstrated love and grace and mercy in this life.
For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me…’And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ [Matthew 25:35-40]
Does this mean that we earn our place in eternity, that it is based on how naughty or nice we are in this life?

Well, yes and no.
This life is a time of testing that reveals our hearts, whether we are humbled or proud.
Those who admit their sin, recognize their unworthiness, and look to God for mercy – are those that also show mercy to others, because they know how much they need it!
Those who live by God’s mercy, will be merciful to others – and this is what this life reveals.
This life is a test, revealing whether or not we have understood our true condition and our need for God’s help.
Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means. [Daniel 12:10]

It comes down to this: those who do not forgive others do not realize how much they have been forgiven.
Those who do not love their enemies do not realize what it means for God to love them.
Those who do not show mercy to sinners, do not appreciate the fact that God showed mercy to them.
Those who do not care for the weak, the needy, the oppressed, the vulnerable, do not understand that this is how God cares for them in their own weakness.
This whole life is a time of preparation, where God tries to show us our need for mercy.
But in the end, those who refuse to be conquered by His grace, and live gracious lives towards others, reveal that they do not trust in God but in themselves.
This is how the final exam will play out – it will reveal the true character of the heart.

Now is the time of preparation, a time of refining, purifying, cleansing.
God wants us to realize how much we depend on Him for mercy, and to be similarly merciful to others.
Will we pass this test?

PRAYER:
Lord, how can I judge anyone else, knowing what lives in my own heart. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Help me to learn my lesson now, so that I am ready for the final!