https://odb.org/MY/2022/04/13/carried-by-love
When we read the Old Testament, we see that the LORD when speaking to the Israelites through His prophets like Isaiah were speaking more of their lives while on earth. If they worshipped Him and no other gods and obey His commandments, He will protect them against their enemies. He will help them win battles and wars against the peoples that live in Canaan even as their entry into Canaan had threatened the geopolitical situation existing then. The Israelites believed in the resurrection of the dead for they knew their Redeeemer lives (Job 19:25-27) and yet the concept of eternal life, of living even though we die was not really present or only became more pronounced when Jesus arrived on the scene some 2,000 years back. Technically, the Jews of old could have eternal life through their obedience of the Law, as tough as it might have been without the redeeming blood of Christ on the cross. The Jews of today I believe have a similar mindset, focusing more on what is seen now than what is unseen and what that lies beyond the grave.
With the redeeming blood of Christ, we have an eternal future. A future where we are not afraid of death as Christ has conquered death for us. As Paul famously said to die is gain and to live is Christ. Either way, our lives belong to Christ since He had redeemed us with His blood. So just a matter of whether we are with Him in spirit here or in the afterlife. And that is something we must be thankful of as we approach this Easter weekend, be thankful and grateful to Christ for that confidence and assurance of eternal life, for that everlasting life with Him while alive or after we depart. Thus for a believer, our life here on earth is a pilgrimage, we are merely passing through.
Having said that, God still cares for us while we are on earth. He knows and sees the challenges we face, at times just to live. 80 or 90 years may be short compared to eternity but it is still a long haul for us humans. The beggar may suffer for 80 years to live lavishly for eternity. But is that what life is about? To live and suffer? Surely not! God made us and He will carry us. He says in Isaiah 46:4 that He will sustain us to our old age, our gray hairs. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you. In Psalm 139, David declares that we are fearfully and uniquely made by God.
There is a purpose God made us and place us where we are today. As much as eternal life is assuring for our future, let’s discover and fulfil God’s unique and special purpose for us here on earth. That I believe is probably one of the best ways we can reciprocate Christ’s love and sacrifice for us. He died for our sins and bought us the ticket to the train. In the meantime, let’s do our part to play the role that He designed for us even as we board the train. Why are we on the train? Surely it is not just about going to heaven only? Discover and fulfil God’s plans and purposes for our lives!
Ronnie's Thoughts 