Life is full of endings. A good show ends when the curtain comes down. The movie is over when the credits fill the screen. The job ends when you retire. The day ends when you go to bed.

God not only gives us new beginnings, He brings us lots of endings. The Babylonian captivity ended after 70 years. The Law of Moses ended at the cross – “For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Rom.10:4) Our old lives of sin end at baptism. (Rom.6:6) Our lives will end.

The most dramatic ending of all will be that of the entire universe. “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.” (2 Pet.3:10) Our busy lives should pause and reflect on the coming end of all things. Peter asked all Christians, “What sort of people ought you to be?” (3:11)

What makes an ending good is the quality of life that comes before it. A sad, tragic life results in a sad death. But a life lived with joy and faith has a far better ending. How are you living out the time God has given you on earth? Those who live by faith will win the victory.

Remember what the apostle Paul said as he faced the end? “…the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Tim.4:6-9). Live so you can say the same.

The end.

– Tim Johnson