Personal Milestones

In yesterday's post, I wrote of historical milestones of 2 monumental men. The word “milestone” is a clever word picture. First used by the Romans to help travelers know how far they had come on their journey, today it means significant life-changing events that mark psychological and spiritual growth. “Milestones” are personal; and sometimes very private. Looking back on our milestones gives us perspective. Yet, while they reveal where we’ve been, they do not tell us where we are going. In fact, Solomon says God does not show us “the beginning from the end” (Ecc 3:11) of our journey.

We can take comfort from Abraham whose milestones—some of success and some of failure—were a testament to his patience. And though Abraham could look at his milestones and ‘see’ where he’d been, he could only ‘see’ by faith where he was going (Heb. 11:8). It is in the uncertainty of the next milestone that faith is forged. Paul understood this: “forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead... we walk by faith, not by sight” (Phil. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:7). And by faith we can say, ‘the best milestones are yet to come.’

Nelson Mandela: a Milestone in History

The passing of Nelson Mandela was the last milestone of a man who changed the course of a nation. Was it the influence of his early years of faith in Christ that propelled him to a lifelong strategy of nonviolence and forgiveness? A man of peace? Coincidentally, another who is called a man of peace, Billy Graham, is reportedly failing fast. No less a world-changer than Nelson, I wonder what tribute the world will afford a man whose legacy was preaching Christ to more people than anyone who ever lived. The life of each of these men is a milestone in history.

“Milestones” were used by the Romans to help marathon runners know how far they had come on the race. Inspiringly, Paul characterized our spiritual journey as that of a marathon runner, reminding us that a great cloud of witnesses (Heb. 12:1) ran their race before us, through many hard milestones, and finished well.

I am inspired by any one who can maintain a steady pace over the course of 95 years. Let us remember Paul’s words: “He who began a good work within you will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Phil. 1:6). And what a milestone that will be!

The End of the World or a World without End!

All this talk about the end of the world should have all serious Bible students reviewing the Scriptures. But they won't find the words “end of the world.” Why? Because the world has already ended.

Yes, you heard me right. The world is over, done, deceased. Because of the cross, Paul said the world had been crucified to him, and he to the world (Gal. 6:14). You see, the end happened at Calvary when Jesus said “It is finished.” In an instant, He died to this world—and the world's influence was dead to Him. John says “as He is so are we in this world” (1 Jn 4:17). That day the world ended for you and me too—the day Jesus destroyed the power of the devil, of death, and of sin (Heb. 2:14; Rom 6:6).

But of course there is yet an ‘end’ we are waiting for. Peter says, we are  looking for the coming day when Jesus will set the heavens on fire, the elements will melt away, and a new heaven and earth will be formed (2 Pet 3:12-13). So when someone accuses you of being a doomsdayer. Tell them you are not waiting for the ‘end of the world’ but for a ‘world without end’ (Eph. 3:21). 

“For unto us a child is born, a son is given. And the government will be on his shoulders...
[And] of the increase of His government and peace there will be NO END” (Isa 9:7). 

Merry Christmas to you all from me and Altha!

Do you think of yourself as a Theologian?

“Theology” is, succinctly, the study of God. By this definition, we are all ‘theologians.’ But believe it or not, some theologians do not use the Bible as their source, but try to figure God out through sense or science. Of course they will never know God this way (1 Co. 2:14). Pity the poor theologians who try!

As soon as we come to Jesus, we are automatically enrolled in His school of theology—“Come and learn from me” (Matt. 11:28). And as His students, we have a responsibility to make sure our beliefs are Biblical (1 Tim 2:15). And, as in any school, we should expect to be given tests to validate that we are really learning.

One of the more passionate theologians in Jesus’ day was Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. Sitting at His feet, she learned theology from the One who called Him Father. Her first theology test came when Jesus didn’t come in time to save her brother Lazarus from death. Her disappointment was crushing. Would her theology hold up?

As theology students, we can expect many tests. And evidently, these tests will increase at the end of the age. Daniel predicted that good theologians would face severe tests in order to be “refined, purified and made spotless until the end” (11:35). Will our theology hold up?

Everyone is talking Apocalypse

At the end of the year, the Bush tax cuts will expire and increase the payroll taxes of all Americans. One economist coined the phrase “Taxmageddon.” Another called it an “apocalyptic deadline.” Everyone seems to have an affinity for end-of-the-world language. Hollywood is fascinated with apocalyptic themes, producing movies about zombies, aliens, atomic wars, plagues, and natural disasters.

Adding to the end-time frenzy are: the explosion of information technology; geopolitical revolutions; and ecological changes (whether global warming or not) causing unprecedented storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis—all of which produce a sense of urgency, of earth shattering events, and global devastation. Indeed, apocalyptic anxiety is everywhere. People may not know where the world is going, but they sense it's going there fast.

Apocalyptic terminology is here to stay. That’s a good thing. Hopefully it will unnerve and awaken comfortable Americans to the reality that the permanency of this world is not guaranteed. We must be ready to share the message of salvation that Jesus is the Beginning and the END of all things.