I have a nephew who wants to be a professional baseball player. He has been dedicated to this sport ever since he was a kid. His love of baseball dominated his life....and he did very well in college baseball. Now his quest is to make it to professional baseball. He was recently offered a contract with an independent minor league team....and is to report in a few weeks. He has the exact date that he is to be there....but he was told that it is very important that he plays good baseball from the day that he gets there. He hasn't had any team play for a few months....although he does teach baseball.
Please bear with me on this....for this post is not about baseball. He heard about an opportunity to play with another minor league team....for only three or four games....in their preseason....for they needed a couple of players. So he packed up and drove about 1300 miles....to possibly get in a few games....so that when he reports to the team that contracted with him....which is 2000 miles the other way....all of which he will be driving....he may be primed....and steeled....and conditioned....and ready to hit the ground running.
I want to go over a couple of things....he had a love....and he had an exact date given him to demonstrate the effects of that love....so he is increasing through a remarkable effort....his preparation!
OK....now down to business. I'm going to give you a Scripture verse....one that has been on many Bible memorization lists....for many decades....Hebrews....10:25....the second part of the verse is all that I need....I'm using the ESV....where it says that we are to encourage one another...."and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." That word....Day....capitalized in many translations....alludes to....The Day Of The LORD!
We are told in the church today....that drawing near in a verse like this is a relative phrase....everything in the future....technically....is drawing nearer....but this verse in Hebrews says near....not nearer! Once again though....it is another relative interpretation. We are told that we cannot know that....near....really means....near....as in....the day that you have to have a Real ID....is near....or as in my nephew knowing that the day he has to report....is near.
Friends....we can know....that Jesus is near....at the very gates.....not because we were given a date....but because we were given eyes to see....and ears to hear....and a nose to smell....and a mind to be daily renewed....to discern the biblical lawlessness....and the mockery....and the error and delusion....and the pride and the violence....of this day that we live in!
I don't have a date to give you. I don't want a date to give you. I don't need a date to give you....I only want to encourage you....as I see that Day approaching!
Update....on my nephew....he is doing well so far....3 for 7 with a walk.
