Our minds cannot fathom eternity. Try it. Think about the notion of “forever.” You’ve most likely used the phrase when talking about a practice or competition that seemed to go on “forever.” But it did (finally) end.
That’s not true with eternity. Our human brains are biologically inept to truly understand “forever.” Because of this, the concept of “eternal life” seems distant, vague, and far off. But eternal life means unending. It doesn’t apply to tomorrow; it incorporates today. Matters of eternal life aren’t priorities for a later time. They mean a lot to the here and now.
When God promised that Abraham and Sarah would defy the improbable and have a child at 100 years old, He had eternity in view. This promise was an “everlasting covenant” between God and Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 17:7). Abraham needed to believe God and walk in faith – and he did. “[Abraham] did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what God had promised, he was also able to do” (Romans 4:20–21). Abraham lived with eternity in mind.
In His final moments, Jesus gathered His disciples one last time to pray before He was handed over as a prisoner and killed. In John 17, Jesus prayed that His disciples would grasp the reality of eternal life and know Him. Translated from the original Greek language, the word “know” is ginosko which means to learn to know, understand, and become acquainted with someone at the deepest level of relational intimacy. Ginosko was also a common idiom for sexual intimacy between a man and a woman. The Bridegroom (Christ) desires for His bride (us) to intimately know Him, to become one.
If you gave your life to Jesus, this reality is true about you.Your eternal life started the moment you said “yes” to Him. Like marriage, your life changed instantly when you entered oneness with Jesus. Eternal life isn’t something that begins when you die; it already started.
Are you living in this reality? Does Jesus get the best of your affection and attention?
Life is undoubtedly demanding. The pressures of coaching seem to intensify with every upcoming season. But your faith cannot be compartmentalized. Adding a little dose of Jesus whenever it’s convenient or when you’re in a tough situation limits His promise. The invitation to traverse a transformational journey with Jesus is extended to you daily. A life focused on living in union with Jesus will change you.Jesus will change you. That’s the point. This is eternal life.