Perishable

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

            Last Christmas, we bought Andrew a gift-wrapped box containing a variety of snack-sized sausages, cheeses, mixed nuts, and chocolates. The day it was delivered, I noted the large label affixed to the box; “Perishable.” I wrapped the box and put it in the fridge to await Christmas morning.

            In his Gospel, John relates a visit between Jesus and Nicodemus. During their tête-à-tête, Jesus rocks the Pharisee’s world by claiming every man is born into this world perishable. Because of sin, man is separated from God and condemned to physical and spiritual death. But because of God’s tremendous love, He did not leave man to wallow in his own sin. God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to be our savior. Jesus came willingly, fully knowing the cost required to reconcile man with God.

            Through Jesus, we have eternal life. When He died on the cross, He removed that perishable state for all those who confess Him as LORD and Savior. Through His death, whoever (that means you and me) believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Although mortal physically, our souls will ascend to live in His presence for eternity.

Perishable becomes imperishable. Mortal changes into immortal. Ephemeral transforms into eternal. In Christ, our future is secure.

Thought: “’But,’ a man said to me, ‘no one has come back, and we don’t know what is in the future. It is all dark, and how can we be sure?’ Thank God! Christ came down from heaven, and I would rather have Him coming as he does right from the bosom of the Father, than anyone else. We can rely on what Christ says, and He says, ‘He that believeth on Me shall not perish, but have everlasting life.’ Not that we are going to have it when we die, but right here today.” D.L. Moody