When we reflect on the past, we can be easily discouraged by all the evil in the world. Isn’t it sad that human beings use everything for evil? Modern rocketry was initially a vision for space exploration but it quickly developed into missiles carrying atomic warheads. Airplanes were quickly used as weapons of war. Highly intelligent people studied for years to find cures for the diseases that plagued mankind and then we put evil into that field of study and made viruses and toxins that could be weaponized. Computers and their progressive technology have been one of mankind’s greatest inventions, but then we use them as weapons to hack other business and other countries computers. We use them to speak evil of people and publish our angry rants. We use them to steal people’s identities and steal their money. Even religion has been used by evil men as a justification for power and greed. It seems, sinful human beings have put their sin and evil into everything.
Imagine the joy of eternity where no evil thoughts or intentions will ever be put into GOD’s creation. No evil purpose will invade man’s creations or designs. There will be no resistance from jealous people or from those persons who try to sabotage your work. No prodigy meeting an untimely death, no potential thrown away or unused, no great ideas shelved because they were conceived before their time. If sinful human beings can put a man on the moon, then what is possible in eternity is probably limitless. Saints will be like caged birds finally loosed to rise to the full potential of what GOD has ordained.
Over the centuries, mankind has tried over and over to start afresh. We swore our society would be different this time. We recognized the need for a better existence and so we created a new country or overthrew the existing government. We claim that we want all people to be treated equally. We want to have a government that is by the people and for the people. We think we elect the right people. We believe we pass the right laws, and we strive for an existence where everyone is free to pursue happiness. We think, if we could just change this or that, then we’d have a utopia. It’s necessary to try but we always fail miserably, don’t we? The main problem comes from following a man or a woman instead of Jesus Christ.
One night, I was watching the Story of China on PBS and as the documentary was drawing to a close, the narrator commented on how the Chinese revolutionist Mao Zedong fell into error. He pointed out what The Communist Party Resolution of 1981 said of Mao; “Comrade Mao mistook right for wrong, and the people for the enemy and therein lies his tragedy.” Their statement sums up all of mankind’s attempts at a utopia. We falsely assume that other people are standing in our way of utopia and so we must cancel them for the “greater good.” Albeit, we have hope– Jesus will not fail at bringing utopia. The Bible says in the book of Revelation;
Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again. Revelation 18:21
Man’s flawed systems of society and government will be thrown down never to be found again. Man’s evil heart which has tainted everything on Earth, will never again affect society. In Eternity, no one can mistake wrong for right and no one will be an enemy—evil and selfishness will be abolished.
Think of all the millions of people who seemingly had to die to affect a change in this world. Things might eventually change for the better, but it really only brings mankind away from the brink of destruction–ultimately, not much changes. Corruption, greed and power, are always making an impression on this world. This world and its flawed systems cannot heal itself—the world desperately needs a savior—Jesus Christ.
Praise GOD, one man’s death changed everything forever and achieved total victory. Jesus’ death and resurrection changed the world forever and brought about a new culture—the body of Christ. The body, sustained by Jesus as the head, and functioning with saints who live out the fruits of the spirit. One day, this culture will reign with Jesus Christ. It will be fascinating, not debilitating, freeing not enslaving, Christ glorifying not self-idolizing.
Imagine that daredevil DNA planted within you, now freed to come out and soar, to learn and push boundaries–to find the edge–and the ledge beyond, to increase knowledge and find fascination at every turn, to risk, to let your creative genes engage fully without fear or without resistance. All of our desires and attributes can be fully acted on in eternity without restriction. That’s the depth of what awaits us in Eternity–boundless, joyful activities free from sin and shame.
As we reflect on the past and look toward the future, let’s have an attitude of praise for what GOD has ultimately prepared for us! A new society, a new culture where Jesus Christ will bring all things under His feet. The type of existence man has sought over the course of his history will be accomplished by Jesus Christ on the first day of eternity. We won’t start from a place of chaos and strenuously work towards a meager existence. We will start from a place of perfection and enjoy it. The never-ending age of Eternity commences with no problems to solve because the eternal reign of Jesus Christ starts with all things free and new.
Reflection
What should be our response after this 40-day journey of learning how much GOD loves us and what He has prepared for us? Gratitude.
Lord Jesus, strengthen us and guide us on this road to eternity. Continue to transform us into your likeness. We desire to please you, Lord. Help us by your Spirit. We seek to build your kingdom by making disciples. All glory to GOD for He is worthy to be praised. Amen.
I encourage you to start each day afresh with your gaze upon Jesus Christ. Eyes up!