Eternity

“Much to do about nothing” was a catchphrase used to depict the emptiness of life and then some in a movie not so long ago. No different throughout the history of time. Everyone has been occupied with their lives and then some. That is the one side of the coin that we all take care of and play out the hands we are dealt; we end up where we end up; some with money, others without, some with multiple marriages, others faithful to one, and some with children and others without; some with terminal diseases whilst others live to a ripe old age and so on… This is a reality that affects both the heathen and the believer (Christian) and it all comes with a measure of anxiety, sin with the cares of life has taken care of that. To be more accurate the sin of one and his punishment has affected us all.  

However the cares of this life, as real as it may be for all in one way or another will hold a very insignificant bearing on the reality of our own eternity. Needless to say that sadly this is often the blinding blow that trips up those weak in the faith. The cares of this life press in so hard that it strips away our vision on what really counts, ETERNITY! Without financial security it becomes almost unbearable. And yet with it we have no need to focus on eternity because everything seems to be cool for now. But should either one of these realities captivate so much of our attention, how does that help us? Well it doesn’t! We have been commanded not be become anxious about the cares of this life. I am suggesting we must place exactly the same emphasis and not to find security in money as many of us do.

How often do professing Christians see their loved ones in agony and suffering immensely and yet are always praying for God to heal them and keep them around? Why! The truth of it all is that heaven with God ruling perfectly is our final destination and this is certainly the authenticity of our faith driven hope. As I ponder this thought in depth, I arrive at one conclusion, how many really believe like the saints of old. I come to the same conclusion no matter how I unpack it, many of us lack the faith of old, and may God help us. And I know He shall bring us around, because His works are perfect. But we must lend an ear unto His voice, the time for lukewarmness is nearing its end. The words of Joshua ring loud and clear; “choose this day whom you will serve”! Our attention needs now to focus on eternity whilst the cares of this life must become secondary to our existence. It has to become part of who we are.

How then do we practically achieve this goal? It is rather simple, one step at a time. God will get us home, He has so promised.

The next question I have considered is what delays the second coming of the Lord? Here is my conclusion, God is merciful and He is kind and full of love, although so many in this world pays Him very little attention, He deals outside the realm of time and because of that He patiently prolongs the return of His Son so that some may come to repentance. With that said a day will arrive when He calls it and then it will be too late for those left behind. It is therefore imperative not only for our sakes but the sake of those still of the fringes of repentance to live our lives sold out for Him.

Who will make it to heaven? It will not only be the those who have had model lives as Christians but rather those who in spite of their mistakes have learnt to depend upon the Lord because of their mistakes and have learnt from them and found repentance in the only One who has the power to forgive, the Lord Jesus Christ, bless His name now and forever more. Life on earth is a schoolmaster to teach us to live by faith and to find repentance when we err from God. It is an ongoing process.

There is a day just over the horizon when the trumpet of God will sound and this will become the Christians reality; “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1Corinthians 15:51-58)

We have a glorious hope that is driven by faith and it will eventually arrive, of this I am totally persuaded. Therefore let us not be side-tracked by money or the cares of this life for they will soon be forgotten and that day will arrive where our God and Father will wipe away every tear; we will be His sons and He will be our God, WOW! With that in the forefront of our minds let us make every effort to fight for this exactness.

Signing off

Tyrone