St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians a second time saying, " So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2nd Corinthians 4:16-18). 

We love transient stuff, or things that are temporal and fade away. Think about it. We love money that is here one day, and then gone tomorrow. Yes, the bank account is filled on pay day, but then empty by sundown due to housing, bills, food, and life in general. Think about it. Yes, we have wash board abs today, but in death those abs turn to dust just the same as a potbelly does. Think about it. We memorize songs on the radio, lines from Hollywood flicks, and stats of our favorite star athlete, but does that useless information follow us into heaven? We love transient stuff, the things of this world; Mammon's toys. We will never, in and of ourselves, seek the things above, the things of God. We will never put up the earthly stuff in exchange for the eternal things. We won't wake up one day and say, "You know, a burdened life under the cross in this valley of sorrow sounds a lot better than a life a luxury and comfort." The Old Adam will never get with the program, but will endure in his love for those outer things that fade away no matter how much time God gives you on this earth. 

Should we be this way with transient things? No, we shouldn't but should rather cling to those inner things of faith and desire only toe meditate on God's Word day and night. Let us repent of our transient loves and confess that we have fallen in love yet again with the temporary things of this falling world. 

We will never have any confidence in ourselves for our salvation. When we look at ourselves, as the law reveals it to us, all we see is a love for temporary things. However, we are not saved by our love for God, but rather we are saved by God's love for us. Jesus came and died for transient people. He came and died for people who love money, fame, and fortune. He came and died for people who memorize how many wins the Astros had this season, rather than memorizing how many times the word "propitiate," is mentioned in the Scriptures. Jesus came and died for people who don't get with the program. He came and died for those who can't help themselves. He came and died for we who are fading away. He came and died for us, so that, all we could die to all our sins as well. Yes, in Jesus we die to all these transient things. Yes, in Jesus, we are daily crucified in order that we cling to His eternal love rather than the temporary lusts of this life. 

Jesus came for transient people like you and me. He came and died for people who love this life and who live in distrust of the one to come. This doesn't mean that we continue to abide in distrust, but rather that we are forgiven our doubt ridden hearts. Yes, in Jesus, we are destined not for ashes eternally, but rather for that dust and ash to be resurrected eternally and ushered into heaven to live forever with our Triune God. When we look at ourselves, we do not lose heart, because Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, and from the sting of death. Yes, we do not lose heart because Christ has rescued and claimed us as His own. Yes, we do not lose heart, because we are forgiven all our sins and right with our Father in heaven. Yes, we do not lose heart, because Jesus has claimed us in the forgiveness of our sins and promises us that we shall live eternally. Yes, we do not lose heart, because we are not children of this transient world, but children of paradise eternal.

May we rest assured in the reality that our time will never run out. No. We do not have an end date, or an expiration date, but rather shall live eternally because our Lord Jesus is eternal. Let us seek comfort in this reality and in this we are freed from the cares and riches of this temporal life. May the Holy Spirit grant us grace and faith that we may remain calm, knowing that God has good things in store for us for all eternity no matter how stressful this life may become for us.

Peace be with you. May the devil be silenced, the world be hushed, and the Old Adam be drowned anew that you may hear only the peaceful voice of your Savior Jesus who says, "I love you. I forgive you. I claim you as My own forever," Amen.

Jesus' Sheepdog