Week 12: A Bright Future Ahead...

The reading plan for this week is as follows:

* Sunday (epistles): I Corinthians 7-8
* Monday (the Law): Genesis 44-47
* Tuesday (history): I Samuel 6-10
* Wednesday (psalms): Psalms 33-35
* Thursday (poetry): Job 23-24
* Friday (prophecy): Isaiah 62-66
* Saturday (gospels): Mark 3-4

From time to time, the apostle Paul makes statements that go against some of our preconceived notions of how we should live. In 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 we read:

Scripture
What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

Observation
At first glance, Paul makes some radical statements here that go against our ideas of 'happy marriage', 'caring for/mourning with those who mourn', 'being happy and celebrate with those who are happy', 'enjoying the blessings that God gives us here on earth', etc. The last verse, however, makes it clear what Paul is trying to say here: we should not be consumed by this world, the actions of this world, the emotions of this world, or the possessions of this world. Instead, our focus should be on the New World, that is coming when Jesus returns.

Application
This week's scripture reading shows us some aspects of the New World in the closing chapters of Isaiah. In Isaiah 65:17, the LORD himself claims: "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered nor will they come to mind." Paul's statement in the letter to the Corinthians reflects this strong belief, that God has something so much better for us in mind. In the middle of our daily worries, emotions and struggles, we have to keep our eyes fixed on the new world that lies ahead of us.

We can't always see God's immediate purpose of the things that bother us on this earth. That's when we have to remember what Joseph said in Genesis 45:7-8: "But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God." See, at the time, Joseph didn't know why his brothers sold him into slavery, or why he ended up in an Egyptian jail for many many years. But in hindsight, God had a plan to save millions of his people through the hand of Joseph.

In the same way, God will save us through all we're going through. All we need to do is remain faithful, and keep our eyes on the future, when He will return.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your provision, for the strength you give us from day to day, and for the hope that you provide for our future. Help us to keep our eyes focused on that glorious future that you have in store for us. We look forward to meeting you face to face. Help us to reflect your radiance in this dark world. In Jesus name, Amen.

Have a great week, and let your light shine bright, that other people may know the hope you have for the future (Mark 4:21).

In Him,

Dick