Are you ready to graduate?

Graduations, without a doubt Americans love graduations. When I first came to this country in 1976 I had never experienced anything like it. Robes, Mortar Board hats, Tassels, pageantry, speeches, dignitaries, the handing out of diplomas, it was all new for me. In the years since I have been to numerous graduations including those of my children from Elementary School, High Schools, Colleges, and Grad School. I have prayed at graduations, helped set up for graduations, and have cheered for graduates of all kinds.Graduates have to have finished something, a course of studies or training. That’s why I am not quite sure about Pre-school graduations. What have these little tikes accomplished? What course of studies have they completed? Anyway, some graduate with honors. These are the ones who have excelled, have done more than the bare minimum, have worked hard. Others graduate by the skin of their teeth and with a considerable amount of anxiety, wondering if they have enough credits  or if they pulled it off at the last minute. Some just throw in the towel for a variety of reasons, some of them not being all to wise.Graduating always entails graduating from (I am sure glad I don’t have to do High School over again) as well as graduating into a life with what you have graduated from has equipped you for. Graduations are also Commencements.At some point we will all graduate from this life into eternity, “… it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV). At some God-appointed time our earthly lives will end. The question is whether or not we will graduate with honors, or barely, or not at all? Will you and I be prepared and ready, or will we be filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and regret? Will you be at peace or will you be riddled with doubt and fear?The Apostle Paul and the men and women mentioned in Hebrews 11:1- 12:2 show us how to prepare for the most important graduation all, encouraging us and cheering for us to graduate with honors,  “ As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing” 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NLT).Are you on course to graduate like that?To God be all glory, love you, Pastor Hans