Everlasting

The Old Testament is filled with story after story of the Israelites and their doubts. And their complaints. And their fears. “I want to go back to Egypt.” “We need a judge.” “We need a king.” “We’re surrounded on all sides.” “My enemies are winning.” “God, where are you?”

Yesterday I had the privilege of leading our church in communion. Which, of course, led me to think about it throughout the week. We are a month from celebrating Easter and yesterday we took a moment to remember how Jesus got there. I found myself feeling so thankful for the wisdom of Jesus in encouraging us “to remember.” 

As best as I can figure out, the practice of “remembering” continued on after The Last Supper. Paul writes about it in I Corinthians, actually doing a bit of correction in how the church, at that time, was behaving. Quite disrespectfully. He strongly encouraged them to share in this ritual with honor and respect towards each other and, especially, towards Jesus.

I realized this week that although I am a practicing Christian, in that I attend church, pray, and devote time to study, I seldom think about Jesus’ death. His sacrifice on my behalf. It’s in the back of my mind, but if not for communion, I don’t think it would make it to the forefront very often.

So I am deeply, deeply grateful for Paul and the Catholic Church, the future denominations and, more recently, non-denominational churches who commit to the practice of communion. Because it puts life in perspective. Puts love in perspective. Unlike the Israelites in the Old Testament, I have hind-sight. I don’t have to wonder if God truly is God, if He is with me, if He loves me, if He will rescue me. Because I’ve got the cross in my background to confirm it all. 

And yet, how often do I pray and live as though it didn’t happen. As though God’s love was never demonstrated. I cry out to God begging him to heal, to repair, to provide. I doubt, sometimes wondering where He is. Completely forgetting the famous verse that is plastered on road signs, at ball games, and on church marquees: For God so loved the world that He gave his only son, that whoever believes in him would not perish but have everlasting life.

I’ve always thought of “everlasting life” as being something in the future, in heaven. But I think my everlasting is right now. In fact, I think it actually began when I first gave my life to Jesus. And then from there, the everlasting continued. A life with a loving God, an attentive Son and a very present Holy Spirit. It makes the waiting for the everlasting a waste of time. Because it’s here. Everlasting is now!

As I sit here in this peaceful moment I am fully cognizant of God’s love. I know He loves me. And I want to savor and drink it in. Because there will be a time, probably soon, maybe even tomorrow, when I will, once again, cry out to God. But my hope and prayer is that before I get started, I’ll remember. Remember that his love for me never wavers. Remember that his love for me lasts forever. And remember that His love for me was fully demonstrated on the cross. And then, from there, continue my prayer as if - make that I am - living in the everlasting.