The New Resolution
By Art Dmytriyev
Yancey County
The brand New Year 2023 has just begun, and many people, hopefully, have started with their New Year resolutions. Exercise program, new fancy diet, education, new relationships, moving to a new place, building project, bucket list, etc… What is your New Year resolution? Is there any resolution at all? Perhaps, the New Year is not a holiday you care for, or resolutions are not your lifestyle. Whatever it is, let me share what you could do this coming year.
If you open the Bible, you can find a passage where Jesus says that He creates everything new. (Revelation 21:5). What does it include? It includes absolutely everything. He said: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3) He is resolving not just for a certain period but for Eternity; not just for a certain group of people but for everyone who accepts it! His Eternal Resolution is all-inclusive: everyone is invited. As in that parable of the great supper (Luke 14:15-24), everyone got an invitation, but the problem is that no one was willing to come (verse 24). Many are called but a few have chosen to come.
The story goes, that once upon a time, on a Christmas break someone was trying to do something nice for the students of a seminary. They purchased 100 tickets and a hotel reservation to Hawaii. All that the students should do is come and claim the tickets. Guess how many students came? Out of 600 seminarians, only 8 (eight) came to claim the tickets and 2 (two) actually went on that trip! What does it tell you? There are a lot, who can get called, but only a few choose to come.
What does it have to do with a New Year resolution? It tells that Jesus Christ went to prepare a place for you and me, and He is making an Eternal resolution. He invited us to come to His Banquet. Are we willing to come? The invitation is a straightforward one: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”(Matthew 11:28–30 KJV). Christ wants you and me to cooperate with Him on His Resolution! Let me suggest that this New Year’s resolution will be to accept the Lord’s invitation and to work on preparing ourselves for the Heavenly Banquet. There is still room. Why don’t we begin this process today, and every following year, it will continually be our resolution? Imagine spending all your never-ending life with Jesus and everyone who chose to be in the Kingdom of God!
These famous Bible verses mention the principle that God operates: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17 KJV).
Dear reader, what is your decision regarding your salvation today? Would you like to accept the suggestion to cooperate with Christ and His angels to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). If yes, then please let God know this today as you come to Him in prayer! May the Lord Bless You!
Happy New Year!
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Pr. Art Dmytriyev is originally from Siberia. He has traveled the world in Evangelism and pastoral ministry. He serves as a pastor in North Carolina, holds a Master of Divinity degree, and is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate. More information at: https://burnsvillenc.adventistchurch.org/pastors-blog
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