eternity

eternity.  eternity is forever, irreversible, purposeful, and never-ending.  because of Christ’s substitutionary death on the Cross in our place, we can actually face a certain type of eternity.  eternal wrath, outside of God’s presence, or ‘eternal pleasures at His right hand forevermore.’  yet, what a sobering thought to think that without Christ Jesus, SIN chooses our eternity for us: hell–the place that we deserve according to our sins, which we have consciously committed against the holiness of God and lordship of his Son over our lives, actions, words and thoughts. 

what a privilege we have!  what a mercy!  that sinners have now been granted access to the Most Holy Place in heaven–the very throne room of God.  Christ, our eternal Savior, rescues us from the eternity that we deserve in hell, IF we choose to confess our sins, believe on Him, turn from our sins, and eternally surrender our lives to His purpose.  

 today, Dad and I went for a 15 mile bike-ride.  i’m glad that IT was not eternal!  at some point during our perfectly crisp, Fall day ride, we began talking about how being in AFRICA will be a different kind of reality for me. i was telling him about how excited i am to leave all the typical distractions and responsibilities of life here at home, and just *BE* in one place (well, two), during one portion of time, for one Gospel purpose.   then, he reminded me that the book of Ecclesiastes points out that God has set *eternity* on the hearts of men.  it was such a good reminder.  esp. when he said, “the people of AFRICA live with eternity a bit closer to them than we do.  their life span is much shorter.”  this simple, yet profound statement truly stuck out to me.  how refreshing it will be to go to another place in the world where the reality of our future eternity in heaven will actually BE a bit closer.  God has set eternity on my heart, but so often, i live as if THIS world is my eternity.  i’m grateful tonight for the sweet reminder that Christ, my Righteousness, has secured this beautiful inheritance for me…and in a very short time, it will be my privilege to join hands with the people of Uganda and Kenya to thank God every day, as we wait for the return of our Blessed Hope, who is Christ.