Things That Last Forever
By George Stroh
June 20, 2022
For, All flesh is like the flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word which was preached to you. (1 Peter 1:24, 25)
It only makes sense that we ought to focus upon and value most that which will last forever. I recently heard that a 1957 Kansas basketball jersey once worn by Hall of Fame basketball star Wilt Chamberlain is currently valued at one million dollars. I thought this a good metaphor for our current culture's misplaced values and priorities. Wilt was certainly a great basketball player, but I'm confident that his old jersey is not worth one million dollars and won't be among those things that will endure forever: But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. (2 Peter 3:10) By the way, I was among the 9,000 or so fans in attendance in 1958 when Nebraska upset highly favored Kansas and their star, Wilt Chamberlain. I wonder if the shirt I wore that night is worth anything? Unfortunately, It's long gone along with my 1957-58 baseball card collection my mother threw away!
The truth is that there are only a few things that have lasting value and will endure forever. God, of course, who is eternal; Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. (Psalm 90:2) And God's word will endure forever; Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. (Psalm 119:89). Every soul who has ever lived will also endure forever. Some, who by faith in God are judged righteous, will endure forever in heaven with God and the rest will endure forever in hell apart from Him; These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. (Matthew 25:46)
As Christians, what has lasting value and what determines our priorities is informed by God's eternal word; All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16) In determining our priorities and how we should deploy our limited resources, including our time, money and energy, it may be good to ask this question, "What does God's word say has lasting value and will endure forever?"
Maranatha!