You may have determined already that there is much to living in this world. Now let me guide your thoughts on that statement. I mean that in the context of not just living here today but where eternity will take us.
I have written on this idea before but it never gets old in considering not only the future but the why behind it all. Please understand I am not making an assessment of the now or the future. I am considering the why behind it all.
Now there will be many theological responses to the idea but there are not any real solid statements in Scripture to support any conclusion. What does that tell us? Well, it tells us that God did not provide us an answer while we are here living on this earth as to why He did what He did in the creation. As well, He did not provide us an answer as to why the future is what He has planned. Both are unknown to us yet, we desire the answer to both the before and the after.
Now I am not surprised by that as I have found myself often wondering about both. Do you and will I be open to what the Scripture and the Holy Spirit may reveal? Of course, I will and so will you but in the meantime what do we do?
On the front page of the ElbertNasworthy.com website I use this statement about who I am and what I do in helping Pastors and churches with encouragement and perspective-
"...as we navigate an ever-changing world with the never-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ"
Recently while away on vacation a good friend spoke in my absence. He spoke from Hebrews 12:1-3 and the Scripture says that-
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
As the text provides and as he shared with the church, the idea is that we are to run the race. Each day and in every way toward the finish line which is to see Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith. These are exciting and encouraging words for every believer. They are the words and the thoughts that get us and keep us going every day.
Yet, the question is why did God put us here and what will that eternity be like once we get there?
Colossians 1:16 we read that-
“All things were created by him and for him.”
It is in Revelation 4:11 that we receive a better understanding of the why answer-
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” The Amplified Bible notes that we were brought into being.
Our being is because it pleased God. Throughout the history of mankind, God has provided opportunity upon opportunity for His creation to know Him and serve Him. To do the right things and treat others as we would want to be treated. We as a creation have failed miserably in that attempt. That is why we read back in the Old Testament the prophet in Isaiah 53:6 Amplified Bible that-
6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, We have turned, each one, to his own way; But the Lord has caused the wickedness of us all [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing]
To fall on Him [instead of us].
It appears that God wanted us to seek Him and obey Him and when we didn't He did not give up on us.
Have you ever thought about what the world and life would be like if we had never sinned? What if Adam and Eve had not succumbed to the serpent? It is a great question to consider and I am thinking that we will find out the answer once we get to glory.
We don't know anything about what it was before we were here on this earth. However, we are going to experience a world after this one that was what God had wanted for us before His creation sinned by doing what He said not to do.
You have to admit that this is certainly a thought to ponder. Have a great Labor Day weekend.
In God's Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy
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