"This World" and "That World"
In the text below (Luke 7:27-36), Jesus eloquently distinguishes between two worlds, referring to them as "this world" and "that world":
27Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,
28Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
29There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
30And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.
31And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
32Last of all the woman died also.
33Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.
34And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
35But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
THIS WORLD
In this world, we will have trials and tribulations.
In this world, our faith will often be tested.
In this world, we will often suffer pain and disappointment.
But, glory to God for that world which awaits His children in Christ. Joy is available to us now as we sojourn to that other world.
THAT WORLD
Jesus gives us an indication of that most wondrous world when he responded to the repentant thief on Calvary (Luke 23:43). Jesus told him, "Today, shalt thou be with me in paradise."
That world of paradise that Jesus referred to is just as real as this fallen world that we currently inhabit. In this new year 2010, my prayer is that God's children will be more mindful of the reality of that other world that awaits us. Whatever you may be going through, you would do well to remember Paul's words to the Romans: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." - Romans 8:18
In 2010, let's not get caught up in the frustrations of this world. Rather, let's rejoice in the glorious truth that this part of the journey is only a brief precursor that leads to that world.
HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR FILLED WITH HOPE FOR THE WORLD TO COME!
