17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
I saw a British murder mystery in which the murder was committed to acquire an orchid. One flower. George Carlin joked that we buy flowers for our wives that immediately die. This explains the words of the Apostle John to the churches under his care. Some were undergoing hardship because of their faith, losing homes, belongings, possibly even their lives. John would have them know that it does not matter to a follower of Christ. It is sometimes hard to take our eyes off of the things of the world because it is all we see. It can seem to be all there is. For many, it is. That is the joy of abiding in the Lord forever. It means that the things on earth grow strangely dim, to quote a hymn, in the light of his glory and grace.
This world is passing away, seemingly quicker than it used to. Our culture and its desires run so contrary to the will of God, we are left to cry out as John did at the end of the Bible, “Jesus, come soon!” The more we turn our eyes upon Jesus, the more our eyes turn away from the things we once held important, such as cars, houses, and clothes. Now what is important is the knowledge that our mansion is in heaven and he prepares a place for us.
Dear Lord, thank you so much that we have a place to call home when this one fades away. Thank you for the cross that made it possible. Help us to carry our cross as if it were our only possession. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church