A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (December 18, 2017)
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)
A recent television interviewer was questioning Dr. David Jeremiah about Heaven. The question was about why we don’t hear more sermons and teachings on Heaven in our time compared to the times of our parents and grandparents. Dr. Jeremiah’s answer was very insightful. He said that he thought it was because we (this generation) spend more time thinking about, and building, our own home on planet earth than we do thinking about our eternal home that Jesus is preparing for us in Heaven. He said that we spend more time planning a two week vacation than we do planning for eternity in Heaven.
This type of thinking is not new. The Prophet Haggai dealt with similar thinking 2500 years ago when he prophesied to Zerubbabel and Joshua. Listen to the following excerpts out of the Book of Haggai:
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘These people say, “The time has not come that the Lord’s house (temple) should be rebuilt.”’” Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to live in your [expensive] paneled houses while this house [of the Lord] lies in ruins?” Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, “Consider your ways and thoughtfully reflect on your conduct! You have planted much, but you harvest little; you eat, but you do not have enough; you drink, but you do not have enough to be intoxicated; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns wages earns them just to put them in a bag with holes in it [because God has withheld His blessing].” Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Consider your ways and thoughtfully reflect on your conduct! Go up to the hill country, bring lumber and rebuild My house (temple), that I may be pleased with it and be glorified,” says the Lord [accepting it as done for My glory]. You look for much [harvest], but it comes to little; and even when you bring that home, I blow it away. Why?” says the Lord of hosts. “Because of My house, which lies in ruins while each of you runs to his own house [eager to enjoy it]. Therefore, because of you [that is, your sin and disobedience] the heavens withhold the dew and the earth withholds its produce. (Haggai 1:2-10, Amplified Bible)
The Prophet Haggai said, “Consider your ways”. Well, let’s ask ourselves a few questions. Are we more consumed with our personal affairs than we are with God’s affairs? Are we interested in our own house more than we are interested in God’s house? Do we spend more time on earthly things than heavenly things? I think the answer for most of us would have to be yes, yes, and yes. Maybe, just maybe, it would profit us a lot more (just like Haggai prophesied) to consider our ways, and make a few changes.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
Moses “endured, as seeing him who is invisible” (Hebrew 11:27). Jesus completed His divine mission because the scripture says, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Paul finished his race with his eyes fixed on the prize of the high calling (Philippians 3:14). All these kept their eyes on heavenly things versus earthly things and that is what we as believers are all called to do also.
We encourage all of you to get involved with a church or ministry that is building God’s house. I am not talking about building a physical building, although that may be part of it. I am primarily talking about building the Body of Christ (the Church) which includes getting people saved, delivered, and discipled.
If you don’t have a good church call us and we can help give you some great recommendations for your area.
