Traveling home on a flight from London to Philadelphia a few
days ago had me seated next to a man returning from Oxford. No sooner after boarding and finding our
seats did we learn that we would have to change planes for one with working
engines (important I suppose), pushing our 8 hour flight back 3 more hours. Through
this time of transition, dialogue was sparked and conversation was born. My new
traveling companion was from Turkey, having moved to America in 2000 for work and the hope of a better life. His love
for culture and travel quickly became apparent, and conversation was natural
and enjoyable.
At one point in the conversation I asked if he thought much
about what was after this life and if he thought this life would influence the
next. His answer was simple and honest, 'Well, there is probably something
after this life but I don’t really give it much thought as I go about my day.
It enters my mind every now and then, but I guess I figure that if I just do my
best here to help others, then things will work out in the end.' He then
continued, 'I don’t think many people think much about eternity, we are too
busy thinking about our jobs, families, finances, what we are going to wear,
and what we are going to do this weekend to really worry about what’s after
this life.'
Conversing on the plane along with reading in Hebrews the
last few days has caused much thought centered on the impact of faith in the promises
of God as they affect this current life. Ignoring the question of eternity affects
both unbelievers and those seeking to follow Christ. I believe the most
effective and ultimately fulfilling way we can live our lives is in light of
the next.
CS Lewis said it this way, “If you read history you will
find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely
those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased
to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”
In reference to the great men and women of faith in the Old
Testament, the writer of Hebrews said it even more elegant through the
inspiration of the Spirit.
“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises,
but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having
confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say
such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And
indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went
out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a
better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to
be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:13-16).”
Their faith was rooted in the promises of God, promises that
included a life to come far exceeding the passing temporal pleasures of this
earth. Fixating on the promises and character of God manifest such great faith
that according to Hebrews these men, “by faith conquered kingdoms,
performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of
lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword,
from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to
flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were
tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better
resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes,
also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they
were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in
sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men
of whom the world was not worthy) (11:33-38).”
The promise to every following of Jesus is a future of
unimaginable fulfillment and delight. Consider eternity, consider the
implications of a life spent lifting high the name of Jesus, consider and apply
an eternal perspective to your present life and I am convinced you will
drastically impact and shake the world we live in for God’s glory.
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy
set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the
right hand of the throne of God (11:1-2).”
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be
shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable
service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire
(11:28-29).”
“For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the
city which is to come (13:14).”
God has given us one life here on this earth, one story to
write that as part of His plan holds eternal implications. We have within our
grasp the wonderful privilege to take part in God’s eternal purpose to make His
glory known. Genuine fulfillment in this life only truly comes in preparedness
for the eternal life that is to come through Jesus our Messiah. How will you in
the Spirit’s strength impact this world in such a way that eternity feels the
impact and God receives the glory?
