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The question is often contemplated, especially at the turn of the year. Having come this far, we wonder what will be in the days ahead. We wonder what time to come will hold for us, being particularly aware of our inability to control the future. We wonder about our lives individually, the lives of those close to us, the path of our nation, and the course of the world. To ask the question takes us away from the agency and influence of man and directs us toward God—the God who holds the future in His hands; who decrees all things that come to pass; who does according to His will in the heavens and among the inhabitants of the earth (Dan 4:35). It is to ask, “What will God have for us in the days ahead and in eternity to come?” The question was asked by Peter after the rich young ruler had walked away from the challenge to follow Christ. “Then Peter answered and said to Him, ‘Behold, we have left everything and followed You. What then will there be for us?’” Peter’s question was appropriate. There is a legitimate concern for self, particularly in regard to matters of destiny. We are never to live before God as mercenaries, nor are we to place a love of self before the love of God and the love of our fellow man; but God knows that as stewards of our lives and as recipients of His providence, we must care for the future and seek His direction in it. Therefore, Christ did not rebuke Peter for thinking of his own life, nor tell him that the future was none of his concern. We are not to worry about tomorrow, but we must be concerned for tomorrow, and God encourages such concern. But consider how powerless we are to direct the future! We cannot make one hair white or black, nor can we command our next heartbeat. How much less can we shape a future that has contingencies without number! Although our conduct and actions have an influence on outcomes, we know that “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill” (Eccl 9:11)—that is, not necessarily and not always. Therefore, the scriptures say, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). It is nothing less than the pride of man to think that his wisdom or effort or skill can direct the outcomes of life. Consult with life itself. See the widow and the orphan. See the Kings who have been reduced to the dust. See the many who have had wealth and possessions vanish in a moment, in a world where moth and rust destroy, where age and wear decay, where fire consumes, and where thieves break in and steal. See how many of our own plans have been thwarted and how many of our best efforts have gone to no avail! Indeed, our own paths of life testify that “a man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Prov 16:9). Let the humble therefore say, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer 10:23). “I know not what of good or ill may be reserved for me, Of weary ways or golden days, before His face I see.” In contemplation of the future, let us say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that” (James 4:15). And let us say with David, “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand” (Psalm 31:14-15). Whether they be times of weeping or laughter, mourning or dancing, war or peace, they are in His hands, and we can entrust our creator to do what is right. For God’s people, there is great cause for hope for the future. The architect of their course is not an enemy but their Father, who delights to give good gifts to His children. See this in Christ’s response to Peter: “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life” (Mat 19:29). Whatever your lot may be, if you have given your life for the sake of Christ, His blessing is upon you. He promises a hundredfold now in this present time. He delights to bless His children. He shows in the end that He is full of compassion and merciful. He does great things, unfathomable, and wondrous works without number (Job 9:10). Although His timing and methods are often different from what we hope or expect, His promise is always fulfilled; and He has promised, “whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it (Matt 16:25). But Christ’s answer shows us that our hope in God for the future is not just for time but also for eternity –An eternity that far outweighs our short span on this earth. We take comfort in our possessions according to their security and endurance. The promise of God’s blessing would be of little comfort if it were to one-day end or if it could be robbed from our possession. But Christ’s promise is life eternal! —A life that can never be taken away and that will endure forever. It is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4). Such a salvation is the source of our endurance and our hope for all eternity. It is the cause for which Christians endure their sufferings, looking for the blessed hope of the appearing of their Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor 4:16-18). But you, whoever you are who have not bowed the knee to Christ, you currently have no cause for confidence in the future. Unless you turn to Him for the forgiveness of your sins and make Him the Lord of your life, there is no peace for you in time and eternity, but only the judgment of God. Every comfort you now enjoy will one-day become rottenness to your bones. Every blessing you have been given will be as the fattening of the calf for the slaughter. Let it not be so while today is the day of salvation. While you have the breath of life, seek His mercy. Embrace Christ’s death on the cross as your one and only hope of salvation. Commit your ways to Him. Let this New Year be the beginning of a new life. With the dawn of the New Year, let us make the most of our lives. Let us use our time and talent to shine light in this world of darkness. Let us set aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us and run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Let us put our hope in God to give strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Remember the time is short, for Jesus has said, “behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Rev 22:12-13). Dear friend, may this year bring the great blessings of God to your life. May He be pleased to shine His mercy upon you, and may you know the joy of His salvation. “The Lord bless you and keep you;The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” (Num 6:24-26). If you would like to receive further information concerning these matters, please contact Joseph Montalto. |
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