Time Out for God From Dust I Came and Will Return A time to be born and a time to die. . . . all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. In Genesis we see that God made man from the dust of the ground. Imagine those strong hands reaching down into dust and gently shaping it into His image. After God was satisfied with what He had made, He breathed the breath of life into the man and he became a living soul. (Gen. 2:7) For a good while now my mind has been on birth, death, and life in between. Memories of my precious loved ones who have gone on before me seem to fill my mind. As I think on each one, I realize they lived life to the fullest and in the best way they knew how. Each of them had one chance at life; they lived it, and then went back to the dust from where they came. And as much as I dread the thoughts, I know I face the same fate. I understand that I’m given one chance at life and one day must lay my body down just as everyone else has since Adam who was formed from the dust. “. . . for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” We can turn the pages from Genesis to Ecclesiastes and find some valuable insight from Solomon. Solomon figured out that many things in life were only “vanity” and what he referred to as “chasing after the wind.” (Ecc. 1:2; 2:17) Solomon built houses, fine vineyards, gardens, pools of water, and had many servants and untold possessions. Even though Solomon had anything his heart desired and was given more wisdom than anyone before or after him, he said the work he had done was distressing. Solomon knew it did not bring true happiness. He realized that when he passed on from this life, he must leave his earthly possessions for the next man after him. (Ecc. 2:17-18) Solomon saw that when he closed his eyes for the last time, all would be left behind and he could take nothing with him. Job put it like this: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.” (Job 1:21 NIV) Some people act as if they’ll live forever, but our life is only a vapor and then vanishes away. (James 4:14) Jesus said to lay up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Mt. 6:19-20) Striving only to accumulate material possessions was not what Jesus had in mind for His children. Many other stirrings are going on in my mind. Since I had no choice in my birth and I certainly have no decision in the matter of my departure, then how will I choose to live each day in between those events? And since God created me in His image and He is most definitely a holy God, am I not to strive to be like Him? Will I spend my days thoughtfully or frivolously? At the end of my life, will I have regrets or be thankful that I trusted God faithfully every day? When I must face the one true righteous Judge, I will not be judged on my birth or my death because like I said, I don’t have a choice in either matter. But I will be judged on how I lived my life and the choices I made. My heart cry is to know the Lord more each day and be totally consecrated. One by one, the inconsequential things of this world are slowly slipping away from me and I am putting them aside. Now, I’m looking more into the spiritual one that I want to become. The worldly things that mean absolutely nothing are as Solomon put it, “only chasing after the wind,” and I have no need of them. Many of the earthly cares are meaningless and have nothing to do with my destiny. May our lives become a living testimony of Jesus Christ to the world around us. May we see our purpose and live it out as Christ would have us to. May we lead others to the cross where they can find forgiveness for their sins. Then when it’s time to depart to go back to the dust, those whose hearts are at peace with their Maker, will rest sweetly in His arms. (Ecc. 12:6-8) Until that time, let’s live each day as if it were our last and do whatever we can to spur others on. Prayer: Father, You have been so faithful to speak to us through this lesson. Thank you for every time you speak to our hearts and for every word you place there. Thank you for questions that come to us because we will seek out the answers in your Word. We love you and want to please you with our lives. Help us to put aside the foolish things that mean nothing. Help us to see that we need to lay up treasures in Heaven, not on this earth, because our life is but a vapor and will pass from us. Help us to make every day count for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ He Has Formed Me He has formed me from the dust |