Investing in Eternity's Treasures

November 26, Day 329 (Psalm 133; 1 Peter 4; Ezekiel 47; Ezekiel 48)

In Psalm 133, we have a short song of ascents by David who extols the joys of accord among God’s people. In the world’s people groups who share fellowship in common, Christians ought to be the most exemplary and commendable. However, we live in a time when most people seem to be self-centered and inconsiderate of others, but God calls us to set our differences aside and find joy in serving each other. Scripture teaches us to place others above ourselves. Here, David says that “living together in unity is like oil running down on Aaron’s beard” or “like the dew of Mt Hermon” (verses 2-3). These similes represent the abundant blessings that God pours out upon His people when they strive to practice the new commandment to love one another and the “royal law” to honor others above self (cf., James 2:8).

In 1 Peter 4, the apostle tells us “to arm ourselves with the attitude of Christ” (verse 1). This means that we are to live our daily lives “for the will of God” (verse 2) - to live no longer the way that “pagans” live - “in debauchery” (verse 3). Peter’s reference to “time” in verse 3 indicates that “reckless, wild living” is a time-consuming waste of life. Such living is a foolish investment in this world which is passing away - for “the end of all things is near” (verse 7). No financier would put his money into a sinking ship. Yet, sadly, millions of people today invest their most precious resource - time (the one resource which can never be regained or recovered) - in a fool’s paradise. God desires that we invest in the treasures of eternity (cf., Matthew 6:19-29).

In Ezekiel 47-48, the prophet shares his vision of a river that flows eastward from the temple down to the Dead Sea. The river begins as a trickle and becomes increasingly wide, strong, and powerful - giving life to whole forests, making salty water sweet, and creating a rich haven for fish and fruit trees. This pictures Israel’s future re-creation and the effects of a Messiah-directed earth at the “culmination of all things” (cf., Romans 10:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; and 1 Peter 4:7). This chapter also includes a description of Israel’s future boundaries. In chapter 48, Ezekiel describes Israel’s future division into its tribal inheritances, and it concludes with the most comforting words by which the city will be named: “THE LORD IS THERE.” What a glorious future God has planned for those of us who love Him - truly - a blesséd hope!