I am now sitting in the Dubai airport reflecting on the wealth of this city compared to the poverty I am about to enter. During my 14 hour layover in Dubai, courtesy of Emirates Airlines, they put me up in a hotel. The hotel room was modest, but the hotel itself and the city sure wasn't. Of course, I had to get out. So I called a cab and they took me down to the Bujr Khalifa - the world's tallest building. I stood amazed at the glitz, the power, the wealth of this city.
If man's creation makes me stand amazed, how much more does the blood of our precious Savior spilled out for me and the gift that He offers. This building will one day be destroyed. It is temporary, just as the things I own are temporary. But the gift of the Savior and the salvation He has to offer of eternal relationship and rest in heaven will last forever in heaven. Which would you choose?
So as I go from first class to third world country, I pray for an eternal perspective for both rich and poor. That we not hold too tightly to the things we have, and we thirst for that which will last forever. I am looking forward to eternity in heaven where there will be no super rich or extreme poverty, nor injustice and tears, and where we take the awards we are given and lay them down in worship of our King.
2 comments:
As I have been blessed to be in mansions and mud huts, the tension of my emotions must be filtered through the knowledge that this is not our home, we are just passing through. In each setting I ask The Lord to draw those I am around close to Him. The trappings of this earth and the lack of trappings distract each human being quite easily. By the time you read this you will be in a poorer spot of the world. The longing for more is found on both sides of this coin. "What is life going to give to me?" I pray that Jesus above all else will be desired in the world you will now 'camp'. Praying for you as the adventure begins. :)
Hi Pastor Rick. Thank you for reminding us that no matter what great riches we see here on earth - and to what great heights man attempts to climb - there is nothing that compares with the pricesless radiance of the Gospel! And, if we think we have built first-class accommodations here, just wait. Heaven will be indescribable. Please know that as you journey you have an army of prayer warriors behind you. May God continue to give you His grace and peace. You are a blessing! Paul
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