Ten Thousand Years and Beyond
by Danna Appleby

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.  Isaiah 57:15 (KJV)

Have you ever wondered how long eternity is?  You've probably heard people exclaim in exasperation after waiting in a long line: “We waited for an eternity!”  But actually, a statement like that is an exaggeration of how long eternity really is because eternity is timeless. 

One dictionary says that eternity is a “timeless state into which the soul passes at a person’s death,” so eternity is obviously unending.  Eternity is difficult to fathom with our finite minds, but it is something all of us will experience when we pass from this life to the next.    

Many people do not give eternity a second thought, but Jesus did a lot of talking about it when He walked the earth.  In fact, He told the people if they would believe on Him they could have assurance of everlasting life and could spend all eternity with Him. 

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death into life.” John 5:24 (KJV)

When God created us He made us into eternal beings.  Actually, He set eternity in our hearts from the beginning of conception, so the soul will continue on. 

He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also

set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what

God has done from the beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

The soul of man is something that lives on whether the body lives or dies.  To put it bluntly, we make the choice in where we spend eternity, whether it be with God basking in His divine presence or spending it with Satan and his demons.  I choose to spend eternity with God singing His praises forever!  And once ten thousand years have passed, those who are singing the praises of the Lamb will know that they've just gotten started in heavenly bliss!  Of course, we must keep in mind that once we pass over into eternity, time will be of no significance.

Some people think that there’s an in-between state of being.  They don't want to become a Christian, but they sure don't like the devil.  What we must realize is that if we don't make a decision for God, we side with the enemy since there is no “grey area” with God.  James 4:4 tells us that friendship with the world is hatred towards God.  Also, Isaiah 48:11 is a Word from God saying that “He will not yield His glory to another.” 

There will be a time when God will separate everyone and cause some to go to the right and some to the left:

(32) The nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  (33) He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on His left.  (34) Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’  Matt. 25:32-34 (NIV)

Eternity will start for many this very day without notice.  But actually, none of us know when that time will begin.  Jesus gave an example of that when He spoke about the days of Noah before the flood.  People were eating, drinking and going about their daily lives. They weren't interested in God and wanted no part of Him.  In fact, the people were so evil that God regretted creating them! (Gen. 6:5) They didn't expect anything to happen because they thought Noah was out of his mind for building an ark in the first place.  But Noah was following instructions from his God.  It had never rained before, but one day the rains began to fall hard, the floods came and washed everyone away except for Noah and his family, who were safely aboard the ark.  (Matt. 24:37-39)  It’s important to know where you’re headed and to make a decision about where you will spend eternity! 

For those who are here when Jesus returns, He gave an example of how things will take place.  People will be going about their business when one will be taken up with Him and the other who is not ready to meet Him, will be left behind:

“Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding with a hand mill, one will be taken and the other left.”  Matthew 24:40-41 (NIV)

Scripture tells us that in the last days there will be scoffers questioning why it’s taking so long for Christ’s return. (2 Peter 3:3) Some will even give up because they think He is slow in keeping His promise.  But we must not give up and lose hope!  Jesus Christ will return for us!  The King is coming!

Can you just imagine what it will be like for you to see your Savior’s face for the first time knowing that you will spend all eternity with Him?  Then to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matt. 25:21) Oh, it seems that I can almost see the lights of Home now!  How about you? 

There will never be another separation from our loved ones and the joy we will experience will go on forever and ever.  There will never be another tear and no more sorrow!  (Rev. 7:17)  There will only be peace and great rejoicing. 

Let us be ready in case our eternity begins soon for we have no promise of tomorrow.  I urge you to be prepared!  And keep looking up for....

TEN THOUSAND YEARS

by Elmer Cole

Soon I'll come to the end of my journey and

I'll meet the One who gave His life for me. 

I will thank Him for the love that He gave me

and ten thousand years or more I'll reign with Him.

Chorus:

Ten thousand years, we'll just be started.

Ten thousand years, we've just begun.

The battle is over and the victory's been won.

Ten thousand years, and we've just begun.

We will just begin to sing love's sweet story.

It's a song that the angels cannot sing. 

I'm redeemed by the blood of my Savior,

and ten thousand years or more, I'll praise His Name!

Prayer:

Father, I come to You praising and thanking You for making a way for us to have redemption through the shed Blood of Jesus Christ and the Cross where He suffered.  We can have the promise now of eternal life all because of Him.  Praise the Name of the Lord who will be praised for all eternity by those who choose to come to the Cross.  By that we can have assurance of living with You forever.  We will worship and praise You now and always!  Thank You that we can become a new creation in Christ.  Thank You again for eternal life and that we will see you face to face.  Amen!