SEPTEMBER 5, 2014
With
Him Forever!
Read: James
4:11-17
For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little
time and then vanishes away. —James
4:14
In 1859, during the
turbulent years prior to America’s Civil War, Abraham Lincoln had the
opportunity to speak to the Agricultural Society in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As he
spoke, he shared with them the story of an ancient monarch’s search for a
sentence that was “true and appropriate in all times and situations.” His wise
men, faced with this heady challenge, gave him the sentence, “And this, too,
shall pass away.”
This is certainly true
of our present world—it is constantly in the process of deterioration. And it’s
not happening just to the world; we also face the reality in our own lives that
our days are numbered. James wrote, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor
that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).
Although our current
life is temporary and will pass away, the God we worship and serve is eternal.
He has shared that eternity with us through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.
He promises us a life that will never pass away: “For God so loved the world
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not
perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
When Christ returns,
He will take us home to be with Him forever!
Awake, my soul and
sing
Of Him who died for
thee,
And hail Him as thy
matchless King
Through all eternity.
—Bridges/Thring
For hope today,
remember the end of the story— eternity with God.
Insight
The New Testament book
of James is often compared to the Old Testament book of Proverbs. Both contain
a great deal of practical instruction about daily life lived in faith. Proverbs
says that if we acknowledge God, He will direct our paths (3:6). Today’s
passage reminds us of the same idea. While cautioning us that our lives are
fleeting (James 4:13-14), James comforts us with the knowledge that we are in
God’s hands (vv.12,15). He is the one who saves, and it is by His will that we
live our lives.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
