Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. (Psalm 93:2, ESV)
The Bible begins “in the beginning.” That is the beginning of time. That is the beginning of creation. But before the beginning of time and creation, God was. God does not have a beginning or and end. He is eternal. That is why a common symbol of the Trinity is three circles. A circle does not have a beginning nor an end.
We think in terms of time. Time is something that God created. It is with time that we measure our existence on earth. But when it comes to the heavenly realm, time becomes irrelevant. The concept of eternity is not something that can be grasped with the measurement of time. It boggles the mind. But this is the way it is with so many things of God. We cannot comprehend it with our limited experience and understanding. We have a perspective where we do not see the full picture.
But let’s consider an imperfect analogy to understand this very important aspect of God. Some of you reading this may wear a Fitbit or other common step-tracking device. The default goal for many of these devices is 10,000 steps in a day. That is a lot of steps.
Now, let’s think of eternity in terms of those 10,000 steps. Yes, it is an imperfect analogy because 10,000 is a limited number. But humor me for a moment. Consider that those 10,000 steps represent every step in this life and eternity. Out of the 10,000 steps, how many steps would represent this life? How many steps would represent eternity? This life would be represented by the smallest increment. Eternity would be represented by the largest increment. So that would mean that this life would be represented by one step. Eternity would be represented by 9,999 steps.
Consider the disparity of the proportion here. In the grand scheme of 10,000 steps, one single step is so insignificant. It would be silly to focus on the one single step. We could work to make that one step to be the best and most comfortable step possible. But there are thousands of more steps to follow. That is how it is when we compare this life with the life to come. It is silly to focus on such a small portion of the grandness for which we have been created.
The things of this life are so insignificant compared to the life to come. The one place where this life is significant is that it will determine our eternity. We don’t want to neglect that important fact. But ask yourself what step are you living for? Are you living for the one or the 9,999?
Reflection
- Rate your life on a scale of 1 to 10. Are you living more for this life or are you living for eternity?
- How do you get a more eternal perspective?
Prayer
God, you are eternal. You reign forever. You existed before the beginning of time. I thank you that you created me to exist in your eternal realm. Give me your Holy Spirit to live with an eternal perspective. Help me to store of treasures of heaven rather than treasures for earth. Amen.
Jeffrey W Lindh says
! Kings 3:9 Solomon asks for a heart to hear God. Wisdom is the product of hearing God. This is an important distinction. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!.