Let us now look into the beautiful life of those who became renewed by realizing life's true value which in turn will serve as an opportunity for us to possess the true value ourselves.
'Apostle Paul' considered all the things as rubbish that he used to consider precious
Paul was a Jew and a Pharisee who strictly kept the Law. He was born a citizen of the Roman Empire, and he studied under Gamaliel, who was the foremost scholar of the time. He took great pride in himself. He liked winning in debates with others with his knowledge, and he did not accept what was not right in his view.
But from the time that he met the Lord on his way to Damascus, his life changed completely. He considered all the things as rubbish that he used to consider precious and enjoyed (Philippians 3:7-9). He gave up his wealth, fame, and time and also received harsh persecutions and sufferings joyfully if it was for preaching the gospel. In the end he died as a martyr (Acts 20:24).
The apostle Paul saw Paradise in the Third Heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4), and it was more than enough to count all earthly glories but rubbish (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
In this world, even very precious things change in value as time passes. But the things given by God who is spirit never change. To the extent that the level of your faith and the goodness of your heart increase, the value of Heaven will also increase within you.
If you set your goal in Heaven, not following things in vain (Ecclesiastes 1:2), you can lead your Christian life in God-given comfort, happiness, joy, and thanks. If you obey the Word of God and resemble the Lord, the faithful God will fulfill His promise, and you need not worry about anything (Matthew 6:31-32; 7:7-11).
' Nicodemus and the believers of the early church' had no fear because they knew the truth
Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and heard about the regeneration and the secret of eternal life (John 3:1-21). Since he had some fear left in his mind, he came to Jesus at night when nobody could see him.
Through this meeting with Jesus, Nicodemus changed completely because he gained the truth that he had looked for with thirst. Later he openly and boldly spoke for Jesus before the Pharisees who were planning to kill Jesus. He rather pointed out their wrongdoing (John 7:50-51).
And after the crucifixion, he brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes for the funeral of Jesus. Because the truth of Jesus was so precious, he gained the boldness to say what is right is right, even if it meant he could lose his high position and power, or even his life.
The same goes for the martyrs of the early church. From the resurrection of the Lord, there had been severe persecutions against Christians. The believers had to face so many persecutions just to keep their faith and they were martyred in many kinds of cruel punishment. Some of the martyrs were military generals or their wives. They were martyred together with poor farmers and slaves. Some were healthy young men. Some others were weak and old. Still others were little girls. They encouraged one another to keep the faith. Even when they stood before ferocious lions, they accepted their deaths being at peace, praising God. As the fruit of their martyrdom with no fear, the Roman Empire officially recognized Christianity, and it led to the gospel being spread to the whole world.
Even little children or feeble elderly ladies will have no fear if they have hope of Heaven and true love. But those who follow the desires of this earth cannot have this boldness even though they are strong young men.
But if they really believe in the glory of Heaven, they will not act with fear or doubt. They do not worry about losing their possessions. They do not compromise with the world. They have faith and hope of Heaven, and they love God who has given them the hope. So, they can do everything with confidence (1 John 4:18). Thus, we should be humble and seek others' benefits all the time, and become brave like lions for the glory of God.
'Two Witnesses' have realized the true value
The ministry of the Two Witnesses, which is recorded in the book of Revelation 11:3-13, will be unfolded during the 7-year Great Tribulation. The witnesses will perform with the great power of God in their ministry and people will be afraid of them, but when the time comes they will be captured by the anti-Christ and martyred.
Since childhood they both have been believers of Judaism, but they have the thirst for the truth in their hearts. They constantly have the conflict in heart thinking, "Is this faith really true? Who is the Christ that Christians are talking about?' At one moment nearing the Seven-Year Tribulation, they will come in contact with the gospel of holiness and understand the truth. Now, they become determined to give their lives for the Lord. Even when they are left on this earth for the Tribulation, even when they are persecuted by the power of the anti-Christ, their fervor for their duty never cools down. After they fulfill their duties, they will reach a glorious position in Heaven.
Jesus took the sufferings of the rugged cross without sin to save all mankind and He overcame death and resurrected. He promised us the glory of the most precious Heaven and sent us the Holy Spirit.
Our confession of love for the Lord, our promises to the Lord to become sanctified, our burning hope for New Jerusalem should not change.
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