1. Keep Your Fork The Best is Ahead of Us 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 1

2. Buried with a Fork Woman dying with terminal illnessWoman dying with terminal illness Requested to be buried with a fork in her handRequested to be buried with a fork in her hand Someone clearing dishes would say, “Keep your fork”Someone clearing dishes would say, “Keep your fork” 2

3. Buried with a Fork Keep your fork – means that the best part (desert) is yet to comeKeep your fork – means that the best part (desert) is yet to come At her funeral many asked why the fork was in her handAt her funeral many asked why the fork was in her hand Minister explained – her faith that the best was yet to comeMinister explained – her faith that the best was yet to come 3

4. Buried with a Fork Life can be hard, discouraging, disappointmentsLife can be hard, discouraging, disappointments We can reach a point of – What’s the use?We can reach a point of – What’s the use? ANSWER: Keep your fork – Good stuff is comingANSWER: Keep your fork – Good stuff is coming 4

5. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 5

6. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Do not faint, give up, quitDo not faint, give up, quit Physical – weak, worn out, tiredPhysical – weak, worn out, tired Spirit – strong, renewedSpirit – strong, renewed Our affliction – light, for a momentOur affliction – light, for a moment FORK – More exceeding gloryFORK – More exceeding glory We only see what is visibleWe only see what is visible The invisible = eternalThe invisible = eternal 6

7. Luke 15:22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. Prodigal returns Bring out the best robe, ring, shoes Greek – protos – first, best, highest 7

8. Mark 10:44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. Do you want to be “top dog”, chief?Do you want to be “top dog”, chief? Do you want to have the best?Do you want to have the best? Be the servant of allBe the servant of all 8

9. Genesis 43:11 And their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. 9

10. Genesis 43:11 Joseph inquired about their father and brotherJoseph inquired about their father and brother Take the BEST fruits, balm, spicesTake the BEST fruits, balm, spices Take double the money – 12Take double the money – 12 Take along Benjamin – 13Take along Benjamin – 13 Take a little honeyTake a little honey 10

11. Revelation 19:9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” 11

12. Revelation 19:17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 12

13. Revelation 19:17 An angel loudly proclaims:An angel loudly proclaims: –To the birds in the sky –Come and gather yourselves –The supper of the great God 13

14. Conclusion Have you accepted the invitation to the great supper, the marriage of the Lamb?Have you accepted the invitation to the great supper, the marriage of the Lamb? Keep your fork – the best is comingKeep your fork – the best is coming 14

15. What Must I Do 15