11/18/2019
We find it hard to comprehend the concept of eternity, and in fact we usually satisfy ourselves by thinking of it as having begun somewhere about the time of man’s creation and running as far into the future as we can imagine, but it is greater than that. Eternity has no beginning, no middle, and no end... so how can we, being limited creatures, possibly join God there?
“Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.”
Psalms 93:2 ESV
God, and Jesus Christ have always existed, and this thought can overwhelm us. We live in a life, a world, and a universe of boundaries; a finite place, and we are seemingly trapped in a limited existence. We see ourselves as being where there is a creation and an end to everything, and our understanding is limited to this, but when we contemplate God we must step across our comfortable finite border to be in the presence of He who was, and is, and is to come.
“John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,”
Revelation 1:4 ESV
Prayer, is our everyday vehicle for communicating with the eternal; it is the bridge between where we are now, in our bound world, and where God and Jesus are in theirs... the eternal spiritual heaven. Think of picking up your telephone and calling someone in another country. You can’t be here and there simultaneously, so you need this technology to bridge the gap. Prayer is our spiritual telephone, and we are told to stay on it all day long. We are to be in constant communication with the divine... with Heaven.
“pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 ESV
It is good, while we are in our finite existence, to speak through prayer with Jesus and God who are in Heaven, but God desires that we not only communicate with Him, but that we join Him... yet how can we as worldly creatures with a beginning, an end, and a total inability to comprehend eternity, possibly transition from our fixed place to God’s boundless one? Well, firstly, scripture tells us that it is God’s desire for this to be, and we are His creation. He then goes on to tell us how we can permanently enter eternity... by believing in Jesus.
“"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 ESV
Then we are told that this will be made possible when a transformation occurs in us...
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 ESV
And that in our transformed selves we will join with God, and Jesus... we will become one with eternity in this way. The perfect Jesus cleanses us of our sin, allows us to abide in Him, and then the Heavenly Father allows Jesus to abide in Him. Suddenly we are infinite, and our boundaries will have fallen away.
“In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.”
John 14:20 ESV
Eternity brings with it more than just unbound life, and existence, but also the unlimited fruit of the Spirit...
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Galatians 5:22-24 ESV
In our moment of transformation we will have unlimited love, but will also gain understanding...
“Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”
2 Timothy 2:7 ESV
So we don’t really understand eternity, but we have a rough idea concerning what it is. God’s Word speaks to us of it, tells us that it is His desire for us, and how we will receive it, but are we ready to step into it? Are we ready to change our abode, and enter into Jesus just as He has entered God? Are we ready for eternal love , life, and the characteristics of God?
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your promise of eternity, the all that comes as part and parcel with it. Thank you Heavenly Father for prayer, and the ability to speak with you across the boundaries between heaven and earth that now face me. Thank you for hearing every word I say, and for knowing my heart. Help me Lord in my unbelief so that I might open myself wide to Jesus, and share myself with Him fully as we seek to abide in one another. Transform me Merciful Father so that I might be perfect in your sight, and by the cleansing blood of your Son I can abide with Him in You. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God, and magnificent is your eternal love that I long for. Great are you in patience, and mercy. I praise you for your Holy Spirit, and the understanding you extend to me through Him. Wonderful are you, and boundless your love. Eternal is your goodness, and I joyously sing of your glorious character. All glory is yours Father as magnified by the grace you have extended through Jesus. I worship you now, and forevermore Lord. Show me all you know of me in what was, and is, and is to come... reveal to me the fullness of my eternity with you.
Rich Forbes