The Future and the Present [2011]

The Future and the Present

A common refrain that we hear is that each of us must invest for the future, save enough for retirement, save for rainy day etc. Here it speaks of exchanging something that we can have today for something that is better, more needful for ourselves in the future. In another words, we are not only to be concerned with present time but also made provision for the future, in short, giving priority to our long term interest.

Our dear Saviour also speaks of ones future interest when he says (Mar 8:36) "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Here Christ speaks of the immense value of ones eternal Soul and that we should rather be willing to exchange what we can be gained in this temporal life time without God for the eternal good of our future estate with God. We trust that everyone response to this statement is an unequivocal "yes"!

As Christian we can be certain of the future, both in this life and the next, the Bible is clear and certain in this regards, (Php 4:19) "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" and in (1Co 2:9) "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." While it is also certain that we will face affliction and tribulation in this life and we shouldn't be surprised, we can also be assured that (2Co 4:17) " ..our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;"

That is why we can be (Rom 12:12) " Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;" and again in (Php 4:4) "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." So what does the above implies besides able to rejoice in all circumstances coupled with prayers, it also means our future bearing must indeed have an impact in our present life.

If our future is certain and glorious, a few things should mark our present life, namely (1) We will deny ourselves (Mar 8:34) "... Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." that means we are no longer the "captain of our soul the master of our fate", (2) but rather we will live for others following our great exemplar (Mat 20:28) "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." and then naturally we will (3) will be seeking the Kingdom of God and when we do so all our present needs will be met! (Mat 6:33) "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Isn't the Word of God wonderful, lets mediate upon it this Sabbath, pray and resolve to put our eternal interest first, be assured of our Glorious and Certain future and then be set free to serve God in every areas of our life where our lot is cast. Amen.