Fruitful Now and Fulfilled in the Future 預覽

FUTURE SAFE AND FUTURE PERFECT

The disciples of Christ were a worried lot. Representing his group, Peter said to Jesus, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” This question came immediately after His teaching on how hard it is for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. It appears that as much as they were following Jesus for spiritual reasons, financial gain in Jesus’ kingdom was weighing on their minds. Without judging them, Jesus clarifies that anyone who had left their houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for His name’s sake shall receive a hundred-fold, and inherit eternal life. We can be sure of a purposeful and joyful future. In God’s scheme of things, even when we give a cup of cold water to one of His children, we will be rewarded. Nothing will be forgotten.

When a child feels assured of a gift, the immediate next question may be, “When will I get it?” The disciples, too, were eager that Jesus would bring the kingdom, so that they would be able to take their proper place of power and authority. In our childlike attitude, we too want Jesus to come soon. But, with God's ways, there is a certain progression in how He does things.

Jesus sat with His disciples on the Mount of Olives and taught of the events to come before He returns. But first He cautioned not to be deceived by false prophets claiming to be Christ. He graphically described wars, deception, lawlessness, abomination of desolation, tribulation and then that He would appear in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. But of that day and time, no one knows. Therefore we need to be ready at all times, so we can be sure to be caught up to meet Him in the clouds.

Are you waiting with anticipation of His coming? Are you making sure that no one deceives you with a false gospel? Are you faithfully following Him in love and obedience? Then your future is safe, with nothing to be anxious about.

Paul says, “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Perseverance through the hardship during this short life will give way to glorious life for eternity. We are not only future safe but future perfect.