By: Juliet Constantine

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31)
 

They were the bravest boys I have ever read about. This is the time when I admired friends who encouraged each other to good works. Daniel and his three friends were Hebrews who were violently taken from their homeland and brought to Babylon. They weren’t the only ones – many others were also taken. But Daniel and his friends stood out, in more ways than one.

After reaching Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar ordered that a selection of captives from the royal lineage be fed from his table as they would be placed to work in the Palace. Daniel and his friends requested a different diet because they would not defile themselves with unclean food. This proved to be a good choice as they did extremely well in their preparation to meet with the king. Immediately, they stood out from the crowd – not only in looks of health and vitality, but also in knowledge and understanding. They passed with living colors! And the rest is history. They made an indelible impression, not only because they reported to an earthly king, but more so because they had an appointment with their Heavenly King.

Daniel knew that the judgment was coming because God revealed His secret to Daniel (Daniel 7:9). He was assured that it wouldn’t happen in his time but it was certain. As he was permitted to view down the corridors of time, Daniel must have shivered at all that would transpired. He was comforted to see the ending. The court was set and the devil’s dominion would be taken away forever.

Yes, the judgment is set. We have an appointment with the King. Everyone must face the judge. If you are alive at Jesus’ return, you will face the judge. If you are dead and your ashes scattered, or your bones lie in the grave; if your remains were thrown in the sea or wherever it was placed, God will bring you back to face the Judge. The Apostle Paul says that after death, then comes the judgment. My favorite speaker Shian O’Connor puts it this way, “When you close your eyes in death, the very next time that light hits the corners of your eyes: it is judgment! When a man dies, God comes for you; because the next sound you hear, the next light you see, is the face of God.” (The Judgment Revealed pt1)

You will be happy to know that the Judgment has already commenced. Our appointment with the King has already been set and the venue is Earth. Do you know what time is yours? This is the mystery of this appointment. We know of some who have kept their appointment with the King. Hebrews 11 has a faith list of many, and John the Revelator said he saw a vast number, in addition to the 144,000. So yes, others have faithfully kept their appointment. Will you?

If before you read this devotional you didn’t know: now that you have read it, you have no more excuse. In the time of your ignorance, God will overlook. Now that you know a date has been set, I encourage you to repent and live in readiness for your appointment with the King.

Oh my Father, speak, oh Lord, as we come to You. Please help us to be ready and stay ready as we listen for our names to be called. Grant us the happy privilege of being numbered among the throng when the Saints go marching in. This is our prayer, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)