Temporary
From the heart of the pastor...
“For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are
seeking the city which is to come” (Heb. 13:14).
The book of Hebrews closes where it begins. You are
challenged to turn your eyes upon Jesus, for “how shall
we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Heb.
2:3).
“O soul are you weary and troubled? No light in the
darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior, and life more
abundant and free.
Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we
follow him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion for more than
conqu’rors we are.
His Word shall not fail you He promised; believe Him and
all will be well.
Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation
to tell.
(Refrain) Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His
wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow
strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
(Helen H. Lemmel, 1922)
Can you imagine rearing your children with other parents
who lived as though the new heavens and the new earth
were going to arrive at the end of that very day? What
would be your comfort with a school system that taught,
graded and inspired its attendees with an awareness of
an eternal city set on a hill? How would you describe
your joy if your child married another believer who was
just as committed to Jesus’ imminent return as you have
taught your child?
What would it be like to work with people who were
looking no longer for contentment and satisfaction in
this world, but were seeking the city that is to come?
What would life be like if the conversation around your
office centered on the book of Hebrews rather than the
latest developments in entertainment, industry, politics
and sports? Where would you find the words to express
your excitement with a marketplace that trades in the
commerce of a lasting city rather than a city passing
away?
What would worship be like with a group of Christians
who really believe that this world has no lasting city?
How enthusiastic would the fellowship and singing be;
how fervent would the prayers and Bible reading be; how
influential would the preaching be?
This kind of world is not possible – is it?
You cannot govern the world, but you can discipline
you. Perhaps the best question for you to ask yourself
is: “What would the world be like if I just live like I
do not have a lasting city in this world, but I am
seeking the city which is to come?”
“All things are lawful, but not all things are
profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things
edify. Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you
do, do all to the glory of God” (I Cor. 10:23,31).
Soli Deo Gloria!
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