An Eternal Perspective
One of the most intriguing passages in the gospels is the description of the transfiguration.
Matthew 17:2-5 (NLT)
2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance changed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothing became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. 4 Peter blurted out, “Lord, this is wonderful! If you want me to, I’ll make three shrines, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 But even as he said it, a bright cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him. Listen to him.”
Peter’s response was fascinating. He wanted to set up a shrine (or a shelter) for each of them. Set up a shelter for what? Why would Moses and Elijah want a shelter on earth when they lived in heaven ? This wasn’t home – heaven was their home and in a similar fashion, heaven is our home.
If those closest to Jesus could lose sight of that, it is no wonder we often do too; especially when we go through difficult seasons. We can become consumed in the moment. We sweat the small stuff – working hard to get to a place of ease and comfort; even though most of what we’re working toward will have very little eternal value.
Jesus said that He is preparing for us - the ultimate place. Let’s keep an eternal perspective. Our home is already settled in heaven and there will be plenty of time for ease. Today we must stay focused on our God-given purpose - to bring the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to our world!
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7 Responses to “An Eternal Perspective”
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Pastor Stovall,
As I read your blog post this morning, it is reassuring with all that is happening around us here on earth to have the assurance of God’s plan being above this planet and in Heaven. With the news now about the catastrophic cyclone that washed across Burma, with the latest count of 27,000 persons lost in the terrible storm, earthquakes in places not usually occurring, and volcanoes erupting after centuries being dormant….we need to remember our “news anchor” up above has His plan under control, as His words tell us, …”Be Not Afraid”. Amen. Thank you for your message.
After I read this blog, I didn’t have a reaction until later on in the day. So thanks for the Word.
Being eternally in the presence of God!!!! Magnify every awesome experience with Him on earth by infinity and that’s what heaven is like. The bible says things like “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Oh great, how is this going to help me?. It may or may not help me here (no guarantee). That’s not where my heart should be anyways.
Thanks, Stovall for giving us a glimpse into heaven and all its majesty. Certainly knowing that Jesus has said “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor has it even entered into the heart of man what the Lord God has prepared for those who love (wait upon, serve) Him!”
I cannot wait to see Jesus, yet, as you so soberly remind us, we must wait - and joyfully so. I for one have been astounded at the depth of the Lord’s goodness to us in this early season of this year, and like Jesus, look to introduce as many others as I can to Him and His glory before He comes again.
Since God uses suffering to transform us into sainthood, and shows His goodness through our weakness to others, I’ll gladly position myself in this life as a refuge amidst fugitives in their flight. May God grant us souls for our hire, dear Pastor. Keep mining the richness of Jesus. Blessed.
Pastor,
Awesome, living for the eternal produces peace and joy in my life. Before my relationship with Christ I was 98% about me and 2% about other people. Now I am 98% about others and 2% about me. Sacrifice is how Jesus loved us, and it is how we should love others. I remember one of your messages about how we always miss the part in Mathew 22 about loving our neighbor as ourselves. We always see the “love the Lord God…” and skip right over the “love your neighbor…”
If we are going to love others as ourselves, this means sacrifice, which I see as living with an eternal perspective.
I pray you can continue to lead us as a church in that direction, that is why Celebration is so awesome…Let’s get to those that are hurting and show them who Jesus really is.
Press On
Jason
Colossians 3:1 says “set your hearts on things above..” To me having an eternal perspective is the only way I can escape the things of this world and reach out to others. Thanks for the great post Pastor Stovall.
This is something that we really need to meditate on daily- life has a way of overshadowing our outlook (and up look) and we often lose sight of this. As life piles on the pain, thanks for piling on the encouragement and the Word.
God Bless
For some time now I have felt such an urgency in my spirit to really encounter God and His purpose for my family. My husband David and I, went to see part two of the Narnia series, Prince Caspian. And what I found so amazing in this story was the relevance it had to our home, Heaven. The fact that they felt so at home in Narnia and didn’t want to go back to “their world”. They had adopted the Eternal Perspective, they were fighting the war between good and evil. And I saw all of us standing there in our armor ready to defeat the Enemy. Wow, it was so refreshing to be reminded that this isn’t it. There is more and it is going to be amazing and forever. Thank you Pastor for having such a tight grip on Eternity..I just can’t wait!