eternal life – Page 2

1 John 2:17 – This World

“And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” (1 John 2:17)

We live in this world and may think we see it fading away, too. It’s good to remember that this world is not our destination. That thought can bring you comfort if your heart is breaking along with God’s over some of the horrific things people are dealing with these days. With hope in Christ, the “fading away” part doesn’t have to be as scary.

Context (1 John 2:15-17) These few verses speak of the world and remind us of an important truth. The world is not what we should be trusting. We should expect the world to disappoint us and not put blind faith in it but in God alone. What are some of your “cravings” in this that entice you away from your relationship with God? The world is good at deceiving us, so beware. Continue reading “1 John 2:17 – This World”

John 10:27-28 – His Sheep

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” (John 10:27-28)

I don’t often think of myself as a sheep, but when I read and reflect on this verse I want to be one. Well, at least I’d like to be as Jesus describes them. To be totally devoted to Jesus is how I want to live my life, and this verse has some great promises.

Context: In Chapter 10 of John’s gospel, Jesus has identified himself as the “Good Shepherd.” It would have been a very interesting comparison back in those days because shepherds were not revered highly in society. Yet, the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep would have been unique and almost intimate. These verses follow that discussion when the people were pressuring Jesus to confirm he was the Messiah. His response is priceless and worth memorizing. Continue reading “John 10:27-28 – His Sheep”

Numbers 21:1-20 – The Bronze Snake

Read Numbers 21:1-20

News must be getting out that the Israelites are on the move. If there was any doubt whether God was with them, what happened to the people of Arad should speak volumes. The Israelites were attacked, they asked God to deliver them, and God gave them victory. That type of pattern seems to follow God’s people throughout Scripture.

Then we have the story of the deadly snakes and yet another account of how the Israelites grumbled against God and their leader, Moses. It’s easy for us to point fingers at them, wondering why they seem to never be satisfied with life. Have you ever blamed God for something less than desirable that happened to you? This time, God sent their rescue as a lesson in the form of poisonous snakes. Continue reading “Numbers 21:1-20 – The Bronze Snake”

Ezekiel 47:1-12 – What a Miracle!

Read Ezekiel 47:1-12

Remember the east gate contains the presence of God. That means the water Ezekiel sees is flowing from God himself. As such, that is some pretty holy water that becomes a rushing river. What a miracle!

This water begins as a shallow stream becoming deeper every 1000 cubits (1,750 feet). The significance of what was being revealed to Ezekiel about this deepening is unclear to me. Perhaps the meaning was hidden to Ezekiel as well. Then the man asked Ezekiel, “Have you been watching, son of man?” Suddenly, Ezekiel notices the trees growing alongside this waterway. Continue reading “Ezekiel 47:1-12 – What a Miracle!”

Ezekiel 32:17-32 – The Pit of Hell

Read Ezekiel 32:17-32

In case you weren’t counting, this is the seventh prophecy set aside for Egypt. It’s that important to God to get this message out. In this final reading, we’re taken into the depths. “For I will send them down to the world below in company with those who descend to the pit.” We get a glimpse at the pit of hell.

How did it make you feel to read about the place of the dead you never want to see in person? Did it surprise you to see a reference like this in the Bible? What are some of the themes revealed? Do you think this is where Jesus went between his crucifixion and resurrection? Continue reading “Ezekiel 32:17-32 – The Pit of Hell”