2 Chronicles 32:33
“So Hezekiah lay down with his fathers, and they buried him in the upper section of the tombs of the sons of David; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him at his death. And his son Manasseh became king in his place.”
It’s over. Hezekiah has died. He had quite a life. Generally a good king. He had that stretch in which he was filled with pride. God warned him and he repented. He was supposed to die fifteen years earlier, but he pleaded with God for more time. He was granted that. The people honored him at his death.
We also will have an end. Not an end to our existence, but an end to life on earth. What’s interesting about this is that we know we’re eternal. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” That’s why eternity scares some. Most put it out of their minds. They know that God is love and that He’s fair. They think He’ll grade on a curve and let most in. They don’t understand holiness and sin and how sin must be paid for.
But life on earth will end. Life here is good. The routines, the relationships, the hobbies and the achievements. A life worth of work. We’ve made a mark. It’s rarely significant to history, but it is to those we affect. It’s good. It’s nice to look back at the years and the good that God has given us.
God has taught us much. The lessons normally come in the form of trials. From the human perspective they are painful. But God tells us to see them as learning times and to be thankful. We are to praise Him by faith for the maturity He instills in us. He tells us we come out of the fire like pure gold. The unbeliever doesn’t have this. There isn’t purpose to his pain. Sad.
The relationships on earth have been good. The spouse, the children, siblings and the good friends. All good.
The relationship with God has been amazing. I didn’t know He could be known. I came to Christ at 17. The first years were good, but my understanding was limited. His love and grace amazed me. That was about five years into faith. Could it be true? Yes. His guidance and purpose were a blessing. It felt right, amazing. God guides us. All the little trials have purpose. Wow! Lately the knowledge that His Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are His children. This has been cool. All day long we feel Him there. The God and creator connecting with us. Thank You, Lord.
We will walk over the bridge to immortality. The longer we live and the closer we get to Him it’s more like heaven. So, when the day comes the difference between here and there won’t be as stark. Just a step from here to there. We walk an ascendent path. Higher and higher. Into the clouds so that it’ll be just a step. Thank You, God.
Thank You, Lord for all Your blessings. Life will end here, but it won’t end. It’s on to the blessed reward. Thank You God for life here and there.