THE FINISHING LINE – by Raphael ben Levi
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe; for our God is [indeed] a consuming fire.” (Heb.12: 28-29)
Holiness and agape love are inextricably entwined containing integral elements that seamlessly flow into each other (Heb.12:14).
Lev.18:19 commands us to express God’s love through the full expression of our love for our neighbour. Yeshua defined this when He gave His disciples a ‘new’ commandment to love one another to the measure that He loves us. (John 13:34)
The Aramaic equivalent word for agape love is ‘hooba’ which literally means ‘to set on fire.’ It provides the sense of a ‘burning love’ that consumes every vestige of unholiness.
For nearly two millennia, believers have patiently awaited Messiah’s return with great yearning and anticipation. When that moment finally arrives, will He find us ‘occupying our time’ with burning love in the spirit of holiness?
Scripture informs us that every true believer will stand before the ‘Bema Seat’ of judgment (1Cor.3:12-15) to receive their eternal reward according to their faithfulness of the things He entrusted to them in their earthly lives. The concept of the ‘Bema Seat’ originated from the ancient Olympics. A judge would sit on a chair at the finish line known as the ‘Bema Seat.’ It was his responsibility to determine what position the runners came in and then distribute the appropriate rewards.
One may argue that anything exceeding the eternal life that God offers every believer through Yeshua is best described as the cream topping. While this contains some truth it neglects to fully acknowledge the heart response of a believer who loves God beyond human boundaries – beyond wholehearted – through intent. To bless Him (offering a gift to Him on bended knee) through understanding that the most one can ever give to Him is the least He deserves – the beginning of our adventure not the end of it – may that become our reality that reaches out beyond the shadow, and may God give us grace to run our race well that we reach the finishing line at breakneck speed rather than stumbling across the finishing line backwards. My prayer for you is that you will receive the applause of Heaven on that day: “‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord!’ Matt.25:23 (NKJV)
