PERSPECTIVE FROM THE END

PERSPECTIVE FROM THE END
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭73‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭(ESV‬)‬
“But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.”

Those brought up on the “prosperity gospel” expect God’s blessings in material terms: health, wealth and happiness. But such theology finds no place in Scriptures where many of God’s servants never experienced such prosperity yet received commendation for their faith (see Heb 11). Still, many consciously or consciously imbibe such thinking, thus interpreting material prosperity for divine blessing

If that is so, those who are prosperous must be God-blessed! No wonder, Asaph had a problem: these people didn’t even honour God! “For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (v.3) Asaph not only envied them—he questioned God and his own faith (v.13): “All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.”

He struggled with doubt, then at verse 17 experienced an epiphany: “until I went into the sanctuary of God”. What happened in God’s sanctuary? God and eternity entered the picture. Asaph’s perspective shifted and he saw all things clearly, “then I discerned their end”. The perspective from the end eclipses all other frames of reference.

Alexander the Great conquered vast lands and ruled a far-flung empire. “When you die,” he was told, “your body will occupy only a tiny part of it.” Likewise, when a well-known multi-millionaire died, someone asked, “How much did he leave behind?” The answer? Everything. He took nothing with him. All that we acquire in life comes to nothing in death.

In Jesus’ parable, God closes the curtains on someone acquiring more and more, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’”(Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬) From this perspective comes the true index of life.

From the end, we see all things clearly.