A Pastor was on his way to speak at a church some 335 kilometres from home. His young family went along, but he failed to inform his little daughter of their destination. After just a few miles which is usually the time for it - came the standard question: “Daddy, when we get where we’re going, where will we be?”

That’s a life-sized question and a good one for the first days of a new year. It speaks of destiny (destination) and helps us to think about some journeys. In Matthew 2 the infant Jesus was destined for Egypt and made the journey with His parents, returning to Israel only after the death of Herod. The book of Ephesians speaks of a journey to Christ and Paul puts it in terms of destiny: “He (God) destined us in love to be His sons through Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 1:5)

Destiny, philosophers seem to agree, has religious overtones. Fate, its secular counterpart is nonreligious. Destiny is life lived under the influence of a God – that directs and motivates alterations in the destination of human life. Jesus Christ makes fate impossible, for His very existence and our faith from the Holy Spirit in Him alters the devil begotten idea of fate and transforms it into the joy of expecting a wonderful destination. Fate, on the other hand, is blind, and inescapable – an impersonal determinate of an individual’s life-history. The scriptures emphasize destiny over fate.

Some people take the step into 2008 in fear because they see only a fate which they cannot control. Christians must step into the next moment, day, and year in expectation that their destiny and their assurance of arrival is a matter of real life. For you and for me there is no fate. For you tomorrow – the ultimate tomorrow – is certain. You need not have to ask: “when I get where I’m going, where will I be?” You know, or you should know, that you are destined to be with your Lord forever because Jesus Christ has prepared a place for you.

As you face the new days of this year remember; “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

The question is well put that asks us:
What will you do with the day now dawning?
What will you do with this lovely morning?

It is a wonderful gift to you:
The gift of a life that is fresh and new!
What will you do with the choices you’re getting?
How will you feel when the sun is setting?
Will you be satisfied with the way that you have spent this God-sent day?

Rejoicing in His Day
Pastor Krestick