“The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Isaiah 40:8
It’s a pleasure for me to peruse my bible looking for those verses I have made special note to. Sometimes I underline them. Sometimes I highlight them. Other times, I do both. Then there are still others that I make a box around, with both pen and highlighter. These are the REALLY important verses. Well, the entirety of the bible contains the REALLY important verses, but some are more special to me than others. They touch my heart and speak to me.
I own several bibles. I have my favorite, a small, pocket-sized ESV that a dear friend has recovered for me with beautiful goat leather. It is a work of art and a pleasure to hold. Maybe I’m weird, but a book should feel good in my hand. That’s why I like leather covers. Sure, they are much more expensive, but they tend to stay in my hands longer. That’s something I want in a bible, isn’t it?
On the other hand, I remember reading a story of a POW who collected the pages of a bible that the camp commandant used for latrine paper. These were more precious to him than life itself. I get that. I certainly hope it never comes to pass for me, but I get it nonetheless.
Today’s verse reminds us that life on earth is fleeting. We come and go, and in time nobody will remember anything about us. Even so, the word of God remains and will continue to remain. Always. It’s not just that people will always have bibles, it’s that what the bible says will always remain true. My body will only be roaming around on this earth for a time, but God’s promises will always be reliable. Rock solid reliable.
Yes, I’m here only for a time, so how I prioritize my attention is important. While it’s true that things beyond my control may greatly affect me, it’s also true that I don’t have to be consumed by them. There is a bigger picture, one that I am part of. Shall I be overwhelmed by the here and now, or focus on the things to come? For those who believe, the things to come make today seem like nothing.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Keep your eyes upon Jesus.
O soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free
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
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there
Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conquerors are we
And 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
His world shall not fail you, He promised
Believe Him and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect salvation to tell
And 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
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Thank you, Father.