“But in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.”
I had lunch the other day with a good friend who is reading the book Living Life Backward by David Gibson. Its primary message is that considering the reality of death can help us live more wisely, generously, and faithfully for God’s glory and the good of His world. Solomon reminds us in this verse of this woman’s end and that, by considering it, we can learn a lesson that will protect us from a similar end. As unpleasant as it is to think about our own death, it is instructive to realize that it is coming, and there is no avoiding it. As Hebrews reminds us, “It is appointed for man once to die, and after that to face judgment.” Knowing that day is coming should shape how we live today. The disciples also found themselves living with the end in sight. Only for them, it wasn’t really the end. As they stood and watched Jesus rise into the clouds, the angels told them He would return in the same way they had seen Him go. We then see the disciples living the rest of their lives with one eye on the mission in front of them and the other on the clouds, watching and anticipating His return at any moment. Can you imagine the purifying effect of knowing that, at any instant, you could be caught up into heaven in the middle of whatever you happen to be doing? If you want to live your life with that same purifying perspective, remember this truth: every passing second brings us one second closer to that moment. We know for certain that Jesus’ return is 2,000 years closer today than it was when the disciples watched Him ascend. At any moment, Jesus could interrupt your day and call you home. Today, live with one eye on the mission and one eye on the clouds. #BeTheEdge
“In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52 (NIV)
