Tag Archives: eternity

October 20
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“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”  (1 Timothy 6:18-19, NIV)

We cannot take anything with us when we die but, while we live, we can “send ahead” treasure so that we are not destitute when we arrive on the other side.

With this in mind, Paul tells his protege, Timothy, to tell people like us (that is, blessed with earthly possessions) to accumulate wealth in good deeds; and to be willing to share — generously.

Life “that is truly life” is not about acquiring and holding; but about receiving and giving.  Be a channel, not a reservoir!  – Luther

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July 30
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“Lord, reveal to me the end of my life and the number of my days. Let me know how short-lived I am.  You, indeed, have made my days short in length, and my life span as nothing in Your sight. Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor. Selah.” (Psalms 39:4-5, HCSB)

It may hurt our ego to think of ourselves as vapors; a wisp of life; appearing then disappearing in the blink of an eye, but against the vast backdrop of time and human history, that is what we are.

Yet, too often we act as if we are going to inhabit the earth indefinitely.  We ignore the wisdom of the bumper sticker: “Life is short. Eternity is long.”

In today’s scripture, David asked God to remind him of the brevity of this life. Indeed, as believers in Jesus, we do have life after life. But let the reality of our small, short, life-span — and the reminder of each day’s obituaries — provoke us to be recklessly gracious to others; increasingly shrewd in our evaluation of the things that shall pass and the things that shall endure; and more obedient to our heavenly Father in all things.  – Luther

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November 1
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“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’” (Hebrews 12:28-29, NIV)

The disciple of Jesus may inhabit the sands of time, but her destiny is firmly established on the bedrock of eternity. Although she is a temporary resident of earth, she is a permanent citizen of heaven.

Were we to survey the history of the world with a perspective of centuries or of millennia — instead of years, as we commonly do — we would more clearly see that all kingdoms and dynasties are temporary. We would also see that the kingdom of God, and the word of God, are enduring.

For this reason, give thanks for God’s gift of a kingdom that cannot be shaken; for a king Who is truly sovereign; for a future that is certain, and that grows brighter with each passing day.  – Luther

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