Desire for a better country

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

This is the testimony of the terminally committed to Christ. It’s woven throughout scripture …this ‘understanding’ and love for God in which the ‘hope’ and certainty of His Kingdom and the heavenly city that waits before them. 

It is said of Abraham .. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10

And later in that chapter of Hebrews … But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16

As one gets older the horizon isn’t as far as it was when we were young. We now ‘look’ beyond the horizon to our ‘real’ home. I’m reminded of a quote from the Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien.

“PIPPIN: I didn’t think it would end this way.

GANDALF: End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it.

PIPPIN: What? Gandalf? See what?

GANDALF: White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.

PIPPIN: Well, that isn’t so bad.

GANDALF: No. No, it isn’t.”

Mr. Tolkien and Mr Lewis were both within the Christian understanding and their novels related their ‘understanding’ of our Creator. Both sat long hours together discussing their own creations. 

Inherently we know we were made for ‘more’, and that this place is but a shadow of the things to come. Even Jesus mirrored this sentiment and made the disciples a promise with … “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4

Paul often made statements that speak to this sentiment and understanding of the life to come. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. Philippians 1:18-26

Do you build up your own ‘faith’ that was deposited within you by the very hand of God, reminding yourself of the ‘place’ He has prepared for us? Knowing with certainty what lies ahead makes the present easier to endure. Many of us older, life experienced, individuals now know increasingly with each passing year how precious we are to our Lord. And that our scars from this place are a testimony to His grace, mercy, and faithfulness to us. His love for us knows no bounds. And with that ever increasing knowledge via life experience and relationship with Him – makes our determination more resolute .. to finish well. 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24

So be obedient in this day — lifting your heart and mind to Christ, waiting on Him for instruction and direction – throughout your entire day. For today is a day to be invested into eternity by our faithfulness to Him in this Shadowland, knowing full well our days are numbered. Rejoice! And be glad in it!

Selah.