Joni And Friends Daily Devotional 20 June 2024, Thursday Message
TOPIC: Commencement Exercises
“They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.” – Isaiah 35:10
When I attended Westmont College’s commencement, the dean explained that “graduation” means a student is leaving something; he wanted to emphasize that Westmont’s ceremony was a “commencement” exercise. He underscored to his students that they were beginning something new and exciting.
It sure was a thrilling day on campus with the Santa Barbara mountains in the background, and the blue Pacific Ocean in the distance. It was a glorious commencement—the triumphant processional, the banners and color, the majestic music, and everyone embracing each other, smiling and offering congratulations.
To me, it was a hint of our commencement to come in heaven. We will graduate, leaving the old earth behind, as well as our old life. But more importantly, the Day of Christ will be our commencement as we begin our new life in the new heavens and the new earth. It’ll be Jesus’ coronation as King of Kings.
Our verse today underscores that it will be a triumphant processional with all the pomp and circumstance, banners, color, and music. Degrees and awards will be conferred upon the faithful. Everlasting joy will crown our heads as we embrace each other. “We’re here! We’ve finally made it!” we’ll exclaim. And the Lord Jesus will be at the center of it all.
How can you prepare for your heavenly commencement? Second Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” The phrase “do your best” implies excellence, earnestness, diligence, and faithfulness in your daily witness to others, as well as in your quiet time with the Lord Jesus. You are a student preparing for the most exciting commencement ever!
PRAY: I’m looking forward to my graduation from earth, Lord, but I’m most excited about my commencement into heaven. Help me to prepare today for that marvelous ceremony!
Joni Eareckson Tada is an American evangelical Christian author, radio host, artist, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization “accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community”.