As we come to the end of this series of devotions, based on our Statement of Faith, fittingly we finish with 'the last things'.  No matter what differing paths we tread through life, our journey in life will end in the same place: before the judgement seat of God.  There we will give an account to the Lord for what we have done with the gift of life that He has bestowed upon us.  That's why Martin Luther once commented that there are only two dates that ultimately matter on the calendar of our lives: TODAY and THAT DAY.

For the Christian that examination is not mixed with the fear of condemnation and rejection - the judgement of God against our sins (both of commission and omission) has been dealt with by Jesus, in our place, at His Cross.  Our names are written in the Book of Life and we are assured a welcome into an eternal home in heaven.  Instead our judgement is for rewards.  All that we have done in the service of God, His world and people accrues to our eternal joy. 

Sometimes people worry about differing levels of rewards in heaven, fearing the sense of missing out or jealousy of others who have more or less.  That's why I've been helped by an illustration offered by theologian Jonathan Edwards.  He says imagine going down to the sea carrying two objects - say a tea cup and a large boiling pot.  Picture throwing or submerging them both in the water.  Then consider this question: which is more full?  Well the answer, of course, is that they are both full.  Yes they have different capacities of fullness, but neither is faced with emptiness.  So it is in heaven that we will be full to overflowing of the eternal love, joy and blessedness of God - we will feel no want or lack.

The end of our days (and perhaps even the last days) is fast approaching for every one of us, even though we do not know how many we have left.  So we would do well to reflect on these words: "Only one life, it will soon be passed; only what's done for Christ will last" (C.T. Studd).