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PROGRAM D-7718
Do you have forever eyes? Forever eyes give us the ability to look beyond what’s happening all around us and see what the future looks like. I think one reason people have always been fascinated with fortune-tellers is because we have a natural curiosity about what’s in store for us. We want to know what the future holds.
If you are a Christ-follower, if you’ve been born from above through faith in Jesus Christ, you certainly don’t need a fortune-teller to advise you of what’s in store for you, because Jesus has left us with very clear information. In John 16 Jesus explained to his disciples that he would be leaving them soon, after his death, burial and resurrection, but in just a little while their grief at his departure would turn to joy because he promised to come back.
In John 14 he gives them words of comfort, as he encouraged them not to let their hearts be troubled. He said he was going to prepare a place for them, “And,” he said, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” That was his promise to them and it is his promise to us today. In a little while, as measured by eternal standards, Jesus is coming back to take us to be with him. We just have to learn how to navigate this “little while” in between.
I admit, it’s not easy to look through forever eyes some days. I mean, life just swallows you up at times, and the cares and concerns of everyday life seem to come over you like waves from a tsunami, don’t they? I know—I’ve been there often, but lately I’ve been focusing my mind on the fact that Jesus says “in a little while” my joy will be complete because I’ll be with him.
You know the familiar old song we’ve sung for years: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of his glory and grace.” It’s truly a simple thing to do—not always easy, but simple. Just turn your eyes on Jesus today. Think about his love for you; think about what he’s done for you. Remember that someday you will see him face to face and your faith will turn to sight!
Hang in there, because in just a little while your joy will be full again. Jesus endured the cross and its shame for you and me; let’s be faithful to endure this “little while” in victory and peace as good soldiers of Jesus.