THINK ON THESE THINGS

B. Mills

“The Lord is at hand.”

John ends his book of Revelation with the words, ”Come, Lord Jesus.” and Paul wrote to the Philippians, “The Lord is at hand.“ If they, and those whom they taught, were looking for and urging for Christ to return, how much more ought we to be doing the same? This portion of Paul’s letter, urges us to fill our minds with that which is pleasing to the Lord. Let us make preparation for His return and be eager for His triumphant arrival.

His entry into Jerusalem through the gate called Beautiful was a prophecy in action picturing His return through that same gate yet to come. That portion of the eastern wall of Jerusalem, a wall that has not been rebuilt on a different foundation as many of the others have, still remains today. During their occupation of Jerusalem, that gate was sealed and to keep Jews out, an Islam cemetery now totally blocks the approach to it from the Mount of Olives direction, and from the inside of the wall the public is also kept at bay. But, we read in Revelation that the Lord will enter the city from that direction, and through that gate when he comes. Blocking it off has actually preserved it in anticipation of that time.

Philippians 4:4-9 (King James Version)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 3:1, Psalm 119:151)

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (1 Corinthians 16:22, Hebrews 10:37, James 5:8)

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Matthew 6:25, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Timothy 2:1, 1 Timothy 5:5, Psalm 1:2)

7 And the peace of God, (Romans 8:28) which passeth all understanding, (Isaiah 26:3, John 16:33) shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Isaiah 26:3, John 14:22, Philippians 4:9, Colossians 3:15, 1 Peter 1:5, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 1:1, Philippians 4:19)

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, (2 Timothy 2:25) whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Romans 14:18, 1 Peter 2:12)

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 3:17, Romans 15:33)

Christians have every reason to live a life filled with praise and rejoicing. New Christians have just begun to make their preparations for the coming of their king. The burden of sin is gone. The King is coming. But make note that he is coming as king, not someone one chosen by popular demand. Left to a ballot, He would not be chosen. By far, the majority of people have chosen the world and its ways. He has been the king all the time; Scripture says, “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” We can have no needs that he is not able to grant.

Let us just let our prayers and concerns be directed in praise to Him, with thanksgiving that our deliverer has come. In His wisdom, He will add those things he knows that we need. When Solomon pleased God by asking only for wisdom, God gave far more than that. He has come to bring peace, not only peace to the world, but peace to troubled minds. This is a peace that the world can’t even understand let alone ask for.