There's often a lot of talk about superannuation and
planning for the future and retirement. One superannuation industry
expert was being interviewed on radio in Sydney. The interviewer was
Clive Robertson.
The superannuation expert
was arguing along these lines: "We need to think about the future. We
need to look after our futures. The population is aging, we won't be
able to afford the pension for everyone. Therefore, you need to think
about the future ... your future ... and make sure you prepare
properly."
Clive Robertson, who is a Christian man, replied: "Humm,
yes, it's a very important point you make - the importance of thinking
about he future ... and preparing for the future ... and living
rightly now ... in the light of the future. Have you thought about
your future ... and what will happen after you die?"
There was a long pause on the radio! The
superannuation industry expert was completely flawed ... had no idea
what to say ... and stumbled back to Clive ... "Arrg arrg arrg, no!"
And Clive said to him: "Well, you should think about
the future! You should think about what will happen after you die."
We spend an amazing amount of time effort planning
for our superannuation. We need to spend more time sorting out our
eternal superannuation.
If the superannuation industry expert was to decide
there was no life after death, then there would be nothing else to
live for other than himself. He might as well 'eat, drink and be merry
for tomorrow we die', following the adage that 'he who dies with the
most - wins'. But it is a pretty unsatisfactory, pathetic, selfish
existence.
Jesus demonstrates to us that there is life after
death by rising from the dead himself. It is a fact in history that
Jesus died on the cross two thousand years ago and then rose to life
again. Jesus has conquered death and now gives new life.
Jesus is crystal clear in saying to the
superannuation expert and us that we are conscious after our death.
There are two alternative states of existence. Jesus says people
either are in 'heaven' or 'hell'. The picture that Jesus paints of
heaven is of people enjoying permanent relationship with God. The
picture of hell is one of relational agony, as those there are
permanently aware of the relationship that they are missing out on.
It is through the resurrection of Jesus that we are
given new birth (entry) into a living hope of an 'eternal
superannuation' which can never perish, spoil or fade. This 'eternal
superannuation' is the wonderful permanent relationship with Jesus.
Jesus challenges us now not to live foolishly for
ourselves, not giving a thought to the future. But to live for God,
recognising that there will come a time of death and accountability
before God.
The question for us is will we accept the death of
Jesus that pays for our rebellion against God, and trust that the
resurrection of Jesus guarantees us a life after death with Jesus?
by Dominic Steele
© 2002 Christianity.net.au
used with permission