Have you ever witnessed the demonstration of a line symbolizing eternity, where an almost imperceptible dot represents your life from birth to death? The underlying message is that our time on earth is minuscule in comparison to eternity; we are merely dots on the line. Even if we live for a century, our lives are just specks in the grand scheme of eternity. Drawing from James 4:14, life is likened to a vapor or mist. This analogy highlights the notion that God designed us for eternity, hence our emphasis should be on the long line rather than the dot.
While that is true, it should not be the focus.
Are we so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly good?
With our philosophical mindset inspired by Greek philosopher Plato, we often find ourselves preoccupied with thoughts of our eternal future, envisioning a life with God in heaven. This focus can sometimes make our earthly existence seem less significant, almost burdensome. As a result, our physical lives may feel trivial, leading us to overlook good deeds and responsibilities towards others, ultimately causing us to simply await what lies ahead.
In our Greek mindset, death and the afterlife play a significant role, represented by the endless line following the dot.
On the other hand, the Old Testament does not provide much information about life after death. Not denying afterlife and eternity, the Hebrew mindset sees birth as the start of life and death as its conclusion. The focus is on what occurs between these two bookends of life. What is penned down in Torah is all about life between these two events and how to live it in preparation for eternity.
Would we prefer focus on heaven as a final destination after death or would we rather live life to the fullest before passing away? This involves living not by human standards, which prioritise qualifications, position, and income, but by the commandments, ordinances and rulings (misphatim) of our Creator. Living a life where His Name is inscribed on your being. A life where Heaven (his Presence) surrounds us as we are blessed with the ultimate blessing of His presence.
Where do we find ourselves when we ponder the end of our life? Is it the cessation of all suffering and the commencement of an eternal existence in the presence of our Creator? A realm where peace, freedom, and the absence of tears and sorrow prevail. Or is it our desire not to depart this life without experiencing a life enriched by His presence, impacting others with His love? To be empowered to bless and inspire others in times of hardship.
Tiaan yesterday made the statement : ”people have been so obsessed with the end times and the sensation of the end times and the antichrist and the mark of the beast”
This aligns with what I’m trying to convey. I completely agree with Tiaan that we should be cautious not to become fixated on what the future holds. The purpose of Revelation is not to instil fear but to provide reassurance. It is a book where the coming King is revealed to His people as a beacon of hope. Regardless of the circumstances, the outcome remains unchanged.
The Creator of the universe will ultimately prevail. The King will reign and every knee will bow to Him and confessing Him as God.
Let’s redirect our focus to the present moment. We need to understand how to have His name on our foreheads and hands, carrying His mark and radiating light to the world, especially during challenging times ahead.
All to the Glory of our Heavenly Father!
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