Life has certainly been disrupted for us over the last few weeks. There have been many aspects of life that we’re
used to turned upside down and now we’re left to navigate through what all of this means for us. I know one thing you really don’t want to happen in the middle of an unsettled time and quarantine is have your hot water heater break down but that’s exactly what happened to us. With this though, the Lord gave me a very gracious and much needed reminder that is true for all of those who are His, that is: this world is not our home.
Disappointments and disruptions abound, viruses spread, people die, hot water heaters fail, and the good around
and within us comes up far too short, far too often. All of these are reminders that we are not there yet. These are reminders that this world cannot provide for us what only Christ can. This world is fragile. Life on it is momentary and fleeting. James says (James 4:14), “You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” Jesus spoke of how the things and treasures of this world don’t last. They rust and are easily destroyed (Matthew 6:19-20). John said (1 John 2:17), “The world is passing away, and also its lusts…”. All of life as we know it is ending and every day there are reminders of that. There is a “but” though. There is good news in this reminder as John continues in verse 17, “but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” This is all giving way to something so much more for the one who loves, trusts in, and obeys Christ.
There is bright hope for tomorrow in Christ. Jesus told His disciples in John 14:2-3,
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
Only He is lasting, only He can satisfy, and only He could provide a permanent residence in His presence where there is great glory and great joy (Psalm 16:11).
Christ has made the way for it and is preparing it. Let the things that get unsettled and don’t last lead you to a settled hope in the One who will!
Looking Forward To That Day, Pastor Rudy