Several centuries ago, New College was founded at Oxford University in England. The buildings were donated by the Earl of Wykeham. The main assembly hall was supported by great oak timbers taken from the Earl Estate. About a century later, the timbers supporting the roof needed to be replaced. The school’s trustees asked the descendants of the Earl if they would like to continue the tradition and give money for the beams. The following response was received: “The trees are ready and waiting for you because at the time the Earl gave the original timbers he had planted a new grove of oak trees and had said to his family: ‘Those trees ought to be ready for the new beams about the time the old ones wear out.’”
It is not often that people give thought to things that will take place after their own lifetime. Faith is what helps the child of God look beyond this life and live in a manner befitting one who has placed his hope in the next life.
Our heroes of faith were men and women who lived for a better future. Theirs was a vision which exceeded the temporal. They sought “a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them” (Heb. 11:16). Something better awaits those who have the faith to plan ahead.
The word of God tells us that there is a great day coming. We cannot see it now, but we know that it is coming. The certainty of the Day of Judgment rests squarely upon the veracity of Jesus Christ Himself and His resurrection from the dead. Jesus is coming again, not to set up an earthly kingdom, but to judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:30-31). Preparation for that day involves placing our faith and trust in Jesus and following His plan. Only then, can we be ready for that day to come.
— Glen Elliott —