Monday, January 10, 2011

"Preparing For Eternity"

People just don't prepare, especially for eternity. I'm speaking of believers here! If we were really preparing for eternity, our lives would be filled and shaped by the Lord Jesus. We would be taking in His constant direction and mind set.
On December 26, 2004 the world stood is horror as the videos were shown of the tsunami that hit Southeast Asia. People living ordinary, comfortable lives were suddenly swept to their end of life on this earth. It was estimated that over a quarter million people died in the rampaging waters and the devastation that followed. Entire island populations and coastal villages were wiped out. But there was one thing that escaped the mentioning in the news media. The Morgan sea gypsies are small tribe of fisherman who spend much of their time on their boats fishing between India, Indonesia and Thailand. Every December between the fishing seasons, they live in small thatch huts on the beaches of Thailand. They were in the direct path of this tsunami and its destruction yet every single member of this tribe survived! Why? The tribal chief explained that their forefathers had always warned them that if the water recedes quickly, they would appear just as quickly in a larger quantity. When the sea suddenly drained away, many of the neighboring people ran to the beach with baskets picking up stranded fish but not the Morgan sea gypsies! The chief ordered his tribe up to the mountains quickly and they were spared.
As you think about this, we sit in assemblies of worship to the Lord, singing our songs, taking the Supper and listening to a message from God, then returning to our daily routines like we have tomorrow in our pockets. What do you think happens to us upon our leaving this earth? What happened to all those swept away in the tsunami or other disaster? Where do you think we (or they) arrive? Is it business as usual? Eternity should get all our attention to prepare each day! We are headed somewhere and it's not the grave....IT'S ETERNITY! Forever, set, nothing to change, life will continue as it is wherever you reside. No more prayers, no opportunity to worship, no reading Scripture, no more decisions or faith exercised just life in death or in God. The question is: Do we believe it?

No comments: