Monday, October 12, 2015

Pastor's Ponderings, October 12, 2015

Our Future In Christ Is Great!

What do you do when you have preached your last sermon, completed your last presentation, sung your last song, or written your last book?  The time for making the donuts has long past and it is time for settling the accounts and closing the books on life. 

These are the times of regret, recriminations, and some rejoicing.  The woulda, coulda, shouda moments crowd the present and make the past seem more relevant than the present.  What did it all mean?  High school graduation, college classes, first job, marriage, children, health challenges, and then contemplation of the end game, went by in a blur. 

The book of Ecclesiastes puts all of our busy activities into perspective (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3).  There is a specific time for all of the things in our lives. We spend our time on projects and tasks, goals and objectives, ends and means, but finally death comes to all even though we may be wise or foolish (Ecclesiastes 2:15-16).  This seems to be a rather pessimistic view of life, but this books ends upon a rather positive note.

Life can be summarized simply.  Our whole duty in life is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).  Because we know what our charge in life is, we can accomplish this task joyfully.  We know that He has a great finale for those who love God in this life and we will have a triumphant entrance into eternal life to live with Jesus forever (John 14:3)  Although you may have a to-do list a mile long, remember that only what you do for Christ will count in the end.  Let's rejoice in knowing our purpose and promise!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-3
New International Version (NIV)
1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build!

Ecclesiastes 2:15-16
New International Version (NIV)
15 Then I said to myself, "The fate of the fool will overtake me also.  What then do I gain by being wise?"  I said to myself, "This too is meaningless,"
16 For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten.  Like the fool, the wise too must die!

Ecclesiastes 12:13
New International Version  (NIV)
13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

John 14:3
New Living Translation
13 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.



No comments: