37 But in the account of the bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord 'the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."
Indeed, while Abraham, Isaac and Jacob’s feet of clay had departed this earth at the time of Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, God refers to these patriarchs as being very much alive by stating “I am the God” of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob rather than putting it in past tense:
5 "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." 6 Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. Ex 3:5-6 (NIV)
Job, whom God referred to as “blameless”, also states his belief in his future eternal state – meaning he was confident of continuing on in a conscience existence. Job was aware that he would be gazing upon God throughout all eternity with his own eyes. This thought brought him much comfort as he dwelt on the expectation of a blessed resurrection:
25 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes--I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27 (NIV)
“A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul.” D. L. Moody
In all actuality we reside now in the land of the dying – unless Jesus first returns, all of our clocks tick towards death. In our eternal state, as believers in Jesus, we will find ourselves very much alive, throughout all eternity, in the paradise of God. Conversely, those who do not trust in Jesus as their Savior will be very much alive, throughout all eternity, in the fires of hell. In light of this fact it is no wonder that Jesus’ half brother Jude entreats us:
21 Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:21-23 (NIV)
“(Jesus’ return) is not a reason for star-gazing, but for working in the power of the Holy Ghost.” Charles Spurgeon
“Never cease loving a person, and never give up hope for him, for even the Prodigal Son who had fallen most low could still be saved.” Seren Kierkegaard
Paul certainly had a grasp on the temporal verses the eternal. Indeed, his focus on his heavenly home was extraordinary. His purpose and passionate pursuit was to exalt and glorify Christ through his person – all the while grasping the necessity of pointing others to the Lord for salvation through the faithful presentation of the gospel. He writes in Philippians:
20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. Phil 1:20-26 (NIV)
"Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ." A.W. Tozer
It would behoove us also to treat trifles as trifles in this world and important things as important. How we live in this blip of time here effects how we will live eternally after this life has passed.
“We’re in spiritual combat – cosmic combat for the heart and soul of humankind.” Charles Colson
“Our identity as Jesus’ followers should define and dictate our lives.” Joseph Stowell, III
“You and I were created to tell the truth about God by reflecting His likeness. How many lies have you told about God today?” Ian Thomas