Message by Larry Thacker Jr. for January 15: Eternal Perspective
When we’re going through trials, it’s so easy to get wrapped up in the now. It’s so hard to see how some things can ever be worked out for our good like the Bible says. How is it supposed to be good when people reach the end of their lives and suffer terribly? How is it supposed to be good when chronic illness robs us of of the life we hoped for? I could go on and on. I have struggled with it.
As I walk with Linda through her fight with multiple sclerosis, I ask questions like this. We have such big plans, and we know it was God who gave them to us. How can they ever be accomplished. Are we wrong? Time will tell, but I think we may be thinking too small.
We need an eternal perspective. We all know that if this were all there is, we would have no hope. We all look forward to the day when we will be with Jesus and our suffering will be no more. We aught to long to be with Him. How can we say that we love Him otherwise? But what if there is even more? What could be more than eternal communion with our Lord? Consider this.
Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus Himself tells us that He and the Father are one. John writes that nothing was created that He didn’t create. So, if God is a creator and he never changes, and if we are made in His image, what kind of eternity might we expect?
Heaven is wonderful beyond our imagination. To be in God’s presence is “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” Far be it from me to diminish that aspect of life after this earth. However, I think there’s even more. I believe that everything we experience here will in some way prepare us for an eternity filled with adventure we cannot dream.
I am compelled to let you know that my conclusions are partly speculative. We are not told very much about Heaven and what comes next. But when I consider what I have just shared with you, here is a joy bubbling up in my spirit that suggests to me that the Holy Spirit is guiding me and giving me the hope I have been asking for. I pray that it will bless you just as much and give you an eternal perspective on your pain.
