DELVE INTO TWELVE!

Driving around the area this week uncovered to even the casual observer the closure of the Christmas season with only a vestige of lights and decorations remaining in the windows and on the lawns and structures of various homes and businesses. Honestly, to this writer it seems Thanksgiving was commemorated merely hours ago, but reality reveals not only the passing of "turkey day," but the departure of Christmas as well!

Should the Lord tarry His coming, a new year will dawn in just a little over 48 hours. Embarking upon a new year always brings excitement as well as a cloud of mystery as one anticipates opportunities to explore and, perhaps, tremendous obstacles to overcome. To be sure, no one knows the events that will unfold during the year 2012 despite the unreliable prognostications of various soothsayers.

The new year reminds us of the swifness with which time passes. When anticipating the arrival of yet another year in the cycle of life it is commonplace to hear many question just where the time has gone. Yet, should we at all be surprised at the brevity of life inasmuch as James records that life "is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (James 4:14)?

The approaching new year brings with it a new start. In light of this, many, including this writer, will endeavor to make New Year's resolutions which may or may not be accomplished with the passing of time. Some vow to lose weight, exercise more or quit some bad habit. Others determine to become a better Christian, treat others with more kindness, save more money or, perhaps, read through the entire Bible.

For example, one New Year's resolution undertaken by this writer is that of having his ears open twice as long in duration as shall be his mouth! Certainly a true friend knows when, where, what and how to offer constructive criticism, but an even greater gift is that of knowing when to say nothing at all when honest words or opinions may cause hurt and division.

A FACEBOOK friend recently posted that her New Year's resolution is to "laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger, love a little deeper and walk through life a little slower." The poster will receive no argument from this corner, and this writer hopes my friend will accomplish her goals for the betterment of all involved.

After the recent death of a loved one another FACEBOOK acquaintance wrote the following: "Cherish each day with your loved one as if it was your last." Good advice considering this day may very well be our last. We have no promise of tomorrow.

I am reminded of some in the Scriptures who made resolutions of one sort or another. With brokenheartedness for his sins and after pleading with God to restore the joy of His salvation, the Psalmist David determined: "Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee (Psalm 51:13). David resolved to be a soul-winner.

When Nehemiah heard of the ruins of his native Jerusalem he "wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven" (Nehemiah 1:4). God put it in the heart of His servant Nehemiah to rebuild the shattered walls of Jerusalem. Thus we read in Nehemiah 4:6, "So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work." Nehemiah resolved to stand in the gap and repair the breach.

In the face of the Jews' imminent destruction from wicked Haman, Queen Esther resolved to plead for the lives of her people. Thirty days had expired since Esther had been summoned into the presence of King Ahasuerus. To come into the court of the king uninvited could have meant instant death for the queen, but the inescapable burden upon her heart served to thrust Esther into action though her fear of physical death remained quite significant.

The annihilation of the Jewish race had been irreversibly decreed. With no thought for her safety, Queen Esther determined to approach the throne to intercede for her nation. Esther, the only person who could now save the Jews from Haman's diabolical scheme, firmly stated, "...so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Esther resolved to earnestly entreat the king for the well-being of her people and was rewarded.

In the book or Ruth, Naomi faced the bitter death of her husband and their two sons. To her bereaved daughters-in-law Naomi's instruction was to return to their own mother's house. While one did as admonished the other, Ruth, determined to remain with her mother-in-law saying, "...whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people,and thy God my God" (Ruth 1:16). Ruth, a type of the gentile bride of Christ, resolved to serve the true and living God at the expense of family and friends.

In his last charge to the nation of Israel before his death, the great Old Testament warrior Joshua declared before all, "...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). Joshua led his loved ones by example, resolving yet late in life to continue serving the Lord.

In verses 23-27 of the great eleventh chapter of Hebrews we read of at least four resolutions made by Moses. In verse 24 we see that Moses "REFUSED to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter." The following verse reveals that Moses CHOSE "rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." (capitals mine)

In the aformentioned verses we learn that Moses, that great servant of the Lord, ESTEEMED "the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt," and "FORSOOK Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king..." (capitals mine). Moses, though hesitant at first, resolved to be used of the Lord in delivering the nation of Israel from Egyptian bondage.

The great Apostle Paul was a man of resolve as well. For example, in Philippians 3:13-14 Paul wrote, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Jesus Christ, our greatest Example, resolved to do His Father's will and complete His work of redemption. John 4:34 reads, "Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."

Though time nor space will permit, many more examples could be related of the resolve of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus did not seek to avoid Calvary as some erroneously claim. Rather, He set His face "like a flint" (Isaiah 50:7) to go to Calvary and die upon a Cross for the sins of mankind. Indeed, therein lied the purpose for which He came into this world that first Christmas morn.

What, dear reader, are the goals in the upcoming new year to which you aspire? Be they spiritual, physical or financial, delve into "twelve" with all your might and, with God's help and grace, make it the best year of your life, come what may. Be like Paul - forget what is behind (successes and failures), reach for those things which are before you, and press toward the mark for the prize which is in Christ Jesus. Be a person of absolute resolve, finishing strongly the course laid out before you.

Above all, during this season of "out with the old, in with the new," let us make certain any resolutions we formulate include as top priority that which brings honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ for He is worthy. From this writer to all who read, HAPPY NEW YEAR and may God's richest blessings be yours as you "delve into 2012." Thanks for reading. David.