This World Doesn't Last Forever

Scripture: Using acacia wood, make an Ark 3¾ feet long, 2¼ feet wide, and 2¼ feet high. Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold, with a molding of gold all around it. Exodus 25:10-11

Observation: The Lord gives Moses instructions for the ark of the covenant, the mercy seat, the table of the bread of presence, the lampstand, and the tabernacle. Mankind has a narrative around the ark especially of how glorious it was, and we today have a desire for it to be rediscovered. However, in all these things, we forget one basic element of the ark, and it is the very first thing the Lord ever says about it. The ark is ... made of wood.

While the Lord can do anything, and overlaying wood with gold would create a great barrier from all kinds of harm, wood is not a material that lasts forever. It rots, its carbon atoms break down, and it is even susceptible to internal microbes. Yes, God could simply make it last forever if he wished, but he did also have it constructed of a non-permanent material, just as he did with the table and the tabernacle.

Most things in this world do not last forever. Even mountains rise and fall. Buildings and houses are reclaimed by natural elements. The creator of "heaven and earth" has chosen to make one of these items permanent, while making the other in a manner that all items on it are temporary.

Application: There are aspects of my life I really like, and cannot think of not continuing to enjoy in the future. However, I have recently been reminded that this is a foolish thought. All aspects of my life will someday go away. I may choose to give up some - like downsizing my home and thus leaving this house - but others will succumb to the elements of nature and time. Friends, family, and pets will depart. 'Stuff' deteriorates and breaks.

Only the Lord is permanent in my life. Only his love endures as a constant in this world, and in my worldly life. Therefore, it is only in the Lord where any element of trust and steadfast joy must be placed.

Prayer: Abba, my daddy, you are the enduring love of my life, and that which I know I can trust. As the time of my life continues to pass, and all things around me come and go, I will remain transfixed on your word and your love. Amen.