A Glimpse Into Eternity \

Steven Harper

 

 

        The past few weeks have been rather harrowing for many people who live in southern California, due to the raging wildfires that have plagued the region. To date, more than 2500 homes have been destroyed, almost 750,000 acres have been burned, and more than 20 people have lost their lives. Many people who escaped the fast-approaching fires tried to wait until the 'last minute,' hoping their homes would not be affected, but had to make a mad dash when the wind shifted and it was evident their lives were in extreme danger. Several of those who perished were, in fact, trying to get away from the encroaching inferno when it overwhelmed their vehicles. I cannot imagine the terror these people must have felt as they were surrounded by such a sight, and I cannot imagine the helplessness many have felt as they watched their homes consumed by the runaway flames. Indeed, the destruction and death of these past few weeks is tragic, but let us — from this — take a glimpse into eternity.

Let us note some similarities between the events of the past few weeks and our mind set when we have a clear view of eternity.

 

      Priorities. I know a lot of people who think all Californians are all a bunch of greedy, worldly, and materialistic people don't care about anything except making money. Their picture of California is based on a stereotypical view that emanates from Hollywood, where everyone seems to be making a million dollars a year and everyone drives around in Porsches or Mercedes-Benzes [when not chauffeured in their limousines]. Having lived in southern California [on two separate occasions], I can tell you this is a poor representation of most people out there. Most everyone I knew or met was just as hard-working and interested in a normal lifestyle as anyone here in the Midwest. Most people I knew just wanted a decent job so they could buy a modest home, take care of their families, and do what normal people do. Yes, there are more than a few people who seek 'fame and fortune,'  but they are far outnumbered by people just like you and me.

 

     And when these everyday people were confronted with certain danger, their priorities were suddenly brought to the forefront. Faced with a limited time to flee the approaching flames, what did most people try to save? Believe it or not, they didn't make their kids wait in the house while they made sure the Porsche was safe! Every interview I have seen and every story I have read, said that the only thing they cared to save was their own lives and those of their families and, for those who had one, the family pet. Important papers and pictures were spared, if time permitted, but not one person seemed to be concerned about saving their crystal collections, paintings, antique furniture, or other inanimate objects. I heard more than a few simply say, "Those things can be replaced." Faced with imminent danger, they had clear priorities.

       And such is the mind set of those who have a clear view of eternity. When we face the reality of eternity — whether eternal rest or punishment — we are certain to get our priorities straight. When we acknowledge the truth that Christ will one day come again (1 Thess. 4:13-17), that every man will face judgment (Heb. 9:27), and there are only two possible judgments to be made (John 5:28, 29), we will make eternity a priority! The things of this world will seem as nothing and our minds will be set on the heavenly things (Col. 3:2), we will prepare ourselves for the eventual day of our departure and lay up treasures in heaven, not on this earth  (Luke 12:16-21), and the possibility of the loss of all our personal goods will not be a matter of concern, for we will be reminded of a better and enduring possession that awaits us in heaven  (Heb. 10:32-34).

 

        Something Worth Saving. The people who were in the path of the wildfires knew the inevitability of their own home's  destruction, and it was for this reason that many tried to hold out so long. Many just wanted to save their home. But even those who stayed for so long eventually came to the realization that the raging fires were not going to be repelled and they then turned to saving something more important than their homes: their lives! And many of those whose own lives were in danger took time to find their neighbors and do what they could to help them escape, too. When it came down to it, many of those who were in the path of imminent destruction made an all-out effort to save their own lives and the lives of others.

 

         Again, this is the mind set of the one who has a clear view of eternity! When we accept the reality of our own mortality and the fact that our time here is short (Psa. 39:4-6), we will begin to think of what awaits us beyond this temporal life on earth and act to save our souls from the certain eternal destruction for those who are unprepared  (2 Thess. 1:8, 9).

When we hear the gospel message and understand we are all guilty of sin (Rom. 3:23) and what its inescapable end is (Rom. 6:23), we will act with urgency to ask, "What must I do to be saved?"  (Acts 16:30)  And when the answer is given (v. 31), we will not delay, but act immediately that our souls may be spared. Since no one knows the hour of his or her departure from this life, we will not delay when we find the way of escape. Only when we accept the truth that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ one day (2 Cor. 5:10) will we make efforts to save our own souls. And, if we admit to the facts, we know we cannot do it without God.

 

         And if we have a clear view of eternity, like those who helped their neighbors escape the wildfires that approached, so will we strive to seek out our neighbors and warn them of the inevitable and eternal flame. Because we have a knowledge of the promised punishment for the unbelieving and disobedient, we will act to warn those who do not know and those who are courting their own destruction by a life of worldly indulgences. I doubt any of us, if in the same situation as many of those in southern California, would forgo warning our neighbors by simply telling ourselves, "They'll never listen anyway. " I imagine we all would be shouting out the warning and urging them with all possible insistence that the danger was real

and it was near. I know we would never do this with our neighbors if faced with such a situation, but what about the reality of an eternal fire that cannot be quenched? Should we not act with even more urgency and strive to save souls from the torment of eternity?

 

         As I read the stories of the California wildfires, I could not help but appreciate the great sacrifices made by many whose efforts were in the saving of others. Several thousand people did nothing but fight the fires because that was their job. They willingly placed themselves on the fire line just so they might save the homes and lives of other people they did not know, and some they did know. They worked for days on end without sleep and not much food or water, refusing to take breaks because they saw something worth saving. Many others, who were not professional firefighters, put their lives on the line

just so they might be able to save others, too.

     I hope we recognize those among us who are doing the same thing, except their efforts are for the saving of souls from the eternal flames of hell. Let us acknowledge the important work of those who are willing to set aside their own desires only that they might save others. Let us recognize their important work, but let us also join in with them, with a view to eternity firmly in our minds. — Steven Harper

 

Truth — is as old as God —

His Twin identity

And will endure as long as He

A Co-Eternity —— Emily Dickinson