A Lasting Impression Endings are important. They leave a lasting taste for the people left behind. 1 Chronicles 10:1-14 Reference: Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, (1 Chronicles 10:13 NIV) Explore: During my last holidays I read a trilogy. They were novels that were futuristic in nature and I read them purely for pleasure. The first book was really enjoyable, so I looked forward to starting the second. The second book was good, but so incomplete that I had to get into the third book. The third book started so well. It was starting to tie up loose ends and bring the whole story line to a climax… but then just totally fizzled out at the end! The conclusion was SO disappointing. I had journeyed with these characters for a number of weeks. I desired to see justice done and their future secured. And yet, I was left wanting. No matter how great that first book was, I can’t help but view the whole trilogy with disappointment. Application: Endings are important. They leave a lasting taste for the people left behind. Saul had started his leadership as king in such an incredible way. He was great and powerful and seemed to move a whole nation. And yet, I often forget this as I know how it ended. He turned away from God, and so, God turned away from him. He was jealous and vindictive and led from his own desires. And in 1 Chronicles 10 we are reminded of his last moments… defeated and despairing. Our endings are often what is remembered. It may be the end of a relationship, the end of a sporting game or the end of an employment. The ending tends to flavour the whole experience. Endings are important. A good conclusion can be rewarding and healthy, and a bad one can leave people devastated. It’s great to start well, but let’s not replicate Saul, and strive to finish even better than when we began. Prayer: Lord, while endings can be hard we know that, as the seasons change, we have to end one thing to start another. May we show true integrity in the way we conclude the next aspect in our lives. May we keep our eyes firmly fixed on You so that our final end is filled with rejoicing. Amen. What conclusions are coming up in your life? How can you finish best? daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/a-lasting-impression/
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 02:04:01 +0000
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