“I have found as a pastor for the last twenty years that most Christians have a pretty pathetic view of the life to come. And as a result we live for retirement.”
John Burke points out that too many Christians store up earthly treasures instead of heavenly ones. Our view of life should be radically different from our peers, because we know what Jesus promised is coming after this life ends. The Bible paints a rich picture of Heaven, but if we don’t spend time meditating on its descriptions, we’ll shift our focus to temporal riches and short-term enjoyment.
“We can picture retirement. A beautiful golf course, and time with our friends and family, and enjoying not having to labor for our work and all that. I find so many Christians will save and sacrifice and serve for retirement, but they won’t live for eternity.”
The life we have now is passing away; the glory that waits for us is far greater than retirement!
“The heroes of faith [in Hebrews 11] had their hearts on a heavenly country that was to come; that’s why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He’s prepared a city for them. And I think if we’re truly going to be followers of Jesus, we have to pay attention to the way we think about the life to come.”
When you read through Revelation 21-22, think about the Jesus who walked out of His grave, healed a young man by simply speaking to him, walked on water; that same Jesus is preparing a place for you. How wonderful will it be? We can draw a few principles from those who have come near death and live with expectancy because of what they’ve shared.
“The life to come is more real, is more concrete and tangible, more relational, more everything. All of this is just a shadow of what’s to come.”
Key Scriptures: Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 8:3-6; Revelation 1:7
Featured Songs: Sons & Daughters by Northpoint Music; Spirit of the Living God by Meredith Andrews; You Are the One by Lincoln Brewster
Highlight : Planning for heaven, or planning for retirement?
