The HERE and the HEREAFTER
February 21, 2024
This photo from 2005 was taken when our middle daughter was leaving with our church youth on a trip to Jordan. Kind of a scary thing to know one of your loved ones is travelling so far to an area that, at times, can be far from safe.
I like this picture for a few reasons.
First, it is a reminder of a time when our family put our trust in the Lord that she and those with her would have a safe and profitable trip. We trusted the church, the chaperones, and those they would be with on the mission trip.
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Second, the image is a reminder that sometimes we have to go beyond our comfort zone to answer God’s call on our lives. Our daughter traveled over 6,000 miles each way to do what she felt led to do (she was the second daughter to take this trip). And while I’m sure she had fun with her friends, she was also in a place, doing things that made her uncomfortable.
Third, the image reminds me that while we may have things going on many miles away, we have life to live right where we are. The picture can be a little confusing because I was taking it through the glass at night. You can see the plane and you can also see people inside the terminal. If you look closely, you can see a man in a white shirt hunched over his phone (upper left of the image).
Jesus tells us we are to live our lives in a similar fashion. We are to live here on earth, doing what He has called us to do, and we are to live in anticipation of being with Him for eternity.
We are to live in the HERE.
“I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, NASB)
We are to live in anticipation of and preparation for the HEREAFTER.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be.” (John 14:3, NASB)
We can do both. We don’t have to focus on one at the expense of the other. Our hope is in a God who is more than able to provide us with all we need with respect to the HERE and the HEREAFTER.
Amen!
Thank you, Joy!
Thank you for your thoughts, Tim. So thankful I belong to God now and for eternity.
Thank you.
How exciting to have daughters that have been to Jordan as tools to be used for God. It is so hard to live in the here as you see glimpses of the over there. Sometimes I think we bring a little bit of the over there into the here—if we concentrate hard enough:)
I love that thought, Jane. Very encouraging.