Abraham had an intimate relationship with God. Based on this relationship he developed an unwavering faith in God. So much so, that Abraham left immediately when God called him to move to a foreign country. He followed God blindly.

Abraham learnt so much more from this relationship. He learnt that there was life after this one on earth. ¹⁰Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations—the City designed and built by God.

He wasn’t referring to a physical city of Jerusalem, but rather the new Jerusalem, as described in Revelations 21. The one that is waiting for us when our life on earth is done; a city not built by people, but by God Himself.

I realise that you look differently at life when you look at it through the lens of the future. When you know that there is life after this life on earth, you know that this one is just temporary.

We like camping and often take Faantjie, that bush trailer that I rebuilt myself, to do some bundu bashing. Faantjie is very comfortable. We only have to open two clips and fold down the mattress, and the bed is ready for sleeping. But to get the sail over the top takes strength, and a few people have to help put up the bunch of poles and pegs.

Therefore, when we have far to go and sleep over along the way, we simply unlock the clips and fold down the mattress. It’s too much trouble to unpack everything for one night’s sleep. Only when we know that we’re going to stay in one place for a few days do we unpack the rest.

To have a glimpse of the future affects what we do right now. It’s the same with everything we do on earth. It’s no use collecting cars, money, houses, prestige, or whatever you can think of, as if we’re going to stay here for the rest of our lives.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t enjoy life on earth. Obviously, we can spend some of our hard-earned money. But we must still do it through the lens of the eternal life that waits for us who believe in God. Then what we buy will look different. Maybe it will even be lighter, because we realise it is temporary.

Maybe we will take note of those who are not as privileged as us. Maybe we will then gladly share what we have. And what we give away will not only show others a different picture of life here on earth, but also of life hereafter.

Let’s try and invest more energy and time into our relationship with God. Then we will get to know God and trust in Him more and more. Then we will hear His voice and start living within His will more and more. Then we’ll catch a glimpse of life hereafter. Then we will live differently and the people around will also change.

Scripture
Hebrews 11:8-16

Reflection
Where is your focus?
Do you look at the hereafter through a lens?
How does this change your life?

Prayer
Father, I realise we have a temporary stay on earth. I must confess, I’m gathering stuff as if I’m staying here forever. Please help me to look up and recognise that You have already prepared life hereafter for me. Then I will live differently here on earth. In Jesus’ Name, amen.