And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.
Devotional Thoughts
By David Wilkerson
The first thing on the agenda on Judgement Day will be to separate His sheep from among the goats. He will not allow His righteous ones to be numbered with the transgressors. Instead, He will call on His angels to gather His flock at His right hand:
"Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 25:32-34).
The Bible is very clear that those who have been abiding in Christ and looking for His appearing will have boldness and confidence on that day:
"And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming." (1 John 2:28, ESV).
How can you have such boldness on the day of judgment — such joy and confidence? It comes only through knowing the Judge — as your friend, brother, redeemer-kinsman, Lord, high priest, propitiation, advocate, intercessor, the love of your heart — your very life!