Pleasures and pains are experiences that have a lifespan, no matter how
real they may be, they come to an end, either by the closure of life at
death or by some other means. One thing is certain about 'now', it
doesn't last forever. Failure to see this truth has led many to
overstate their 'now' experiences, whether for good or bad. The rich
fool in Luke 12 didn't take account of the transient nature of 'now'
when he boasted to his soul, "And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou
hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and
be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall
be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast
provided?" Luke 12:19, 20
Since 'now' is not forever, what then should be our main concern? If we are thinking correctly, it must be that which is beyond 'now', and the only thing beyond now is eternity. Since 'now' will most certainly come to an end for each of us, will it not be wise, therefore, that each of us uses 'now' to prepare for the inevitable 'after now'? But what preparation can one possibly make, you may ask.
There is only one person who has traversed 'now', and returned to it again; from such a person we can receive instruction on how to prepare for the 'after now'. This is Jesus who was crucified, and on the third day rose from the dead and is alive forever. If we can see how He lived His life, and live likewise, we too will traverse 'now', and be sure that our 'after now' is safeguarded. He lived according to the will of the Father.
According to Jesus, "This is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40. There will be a resurrection when 'now' comes to an end, but when that day comes, would you have prepared for it in the will of the Father? Act now before your 'now' is over!
Toni
Since 'now' is not forever, what then should be our main concern? If we are thinking correctly, it must be that which is beyond 'now', and the only thing beyond now is eternity. Since 'now' will most certainly come to an end for each of us, will it not be wise, therefore, that each of us uses 'now' to prepare for the inevitable 'after now'? But what preparation can one possibly make, you may ask.
There is only one person who has traversed 'now', and returned to it again; from such a person we can receive instruction on how to prepare for the 'after now'. This is Jesus who was crucified, and on the third day rose from the dead and is alive forever. If we can see how He lived His life, and live likewise, we too will traverse 'now', and be sure that our 'after now' is safeguarded. He lived according to the will of the Father.
According to Jesus, "This is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40. There will be a resurrection when 'now' comes to an end, but when that day comes, would you have prepared for it in the will of the Father? Act now before your 'now' is over!
Toni
