Making the List

Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Revelation 21:27 NLT

During the Christmas season, adults everywhere work from lists. There's the A list and the B list for the gift list, the guest list, the card list, the things-left-to-do list. And children are just as consumed with them, trying especially hard to stay off the naughty list.

We've all made gift lists and invitation lists that have included people who - left to our own devices - we would not have included for whatever reason. Checking it much more than twice to make sure we've gotten everyone we're "supposed" to include. Oh that we would be as consumed with the Master's List! To give as much attention to His detailed instructions. To be sure that everyone gets a personal invitation to His dinner party.

There's one thing I know for sure. Not one name written in the Lamb's Book of Life is written there because it was the politically-correct thing to do. No one is included because otherwise their feelings would be hurt or because if you include this one, then so-and-so has to be included, too. There's only one way to make the Master's List. Do you know how?

Prayer:

Father,
          According to Your Word, we know You loved the world so much that You gave Your one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. We know You sent Your Son into the world to save the world through His death on the Cross paying in full the debt for our sin. Thank You, Father, that we can make Your A list by believing in and following Jesus. We pray for those who do not yet believe in Him. We know it is Your will that none should perish. Give us divine appointments, Father, and the courage and boldness to speak at those times. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen