LOOKING FOR A CITY …
I remember once crossing a body of rough water on a ferry boat. Some of the people where getting seasick so it was suggested they look ahead and keep their eyes on the horizon where we were headed. Evidently this helps gain a sense of perspective. It worked well for them. It works for us spiritually as well.
God, the maker of the horizon (Job 26:10), knows that when we become confused and even sickened by the things we see around us in this world, that we can regain perspective by focusing on the distant but steady point of our destiny.
In times of trials, pain or persecution we can persevere by remembering what is to come for those who love and live for the Lord (Hebrews 11:10, 14, 16). We remember God’s promise “Here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). We may be strangers and pilgrims on this earth (Hebrews 11:13) but we are heading to a homeland of pure joy and total bliss. We won’t find it looking at the hurts and disappointments in this life, but by keeping our gaze straight ahead to where we are headed.
If you are getting a little sick and tired of this life and world keep your eyes on the horizon, on your destination. Keeping your eyes on heaven will keep everything in this life in perspective. Besides, you’ll be there before you know it!
Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Revelation 21:1-5 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
Are you discouraged, disappointed or defeated by things going on in life? Take your eyes off them and think about the heavenly city in which you will one day dwell. Focus on it, not this earthly existence. Let God reset your perspective to the reality of the future He has for us.
by Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer, Christian Training Organization