I am a Christian missionary serving in Japan. I have been so since 2005(this is not including any of the preparation time before actually coming). My wife and I first came to Japan on a vision trip in 2003, but we were certain of God’s call as early as 2002.
I thought of two reasons why I should call this blog “from the shadows.” One, life is as brief as a shadow. Second, this earthly existence is a shadow.
Life is a fleeting, ephemeral moment. It often seems that we, the finite creatures that we are, tend to think that our 70-odd years on this earth will last forever. We live as if we will have time at some later date to deal with our sin. And, this is often true not only of unbelievers. How often do we as believers put off dealing with our sin? We think that if we turn from our sin to God now, we might miss something.
Of course, that thinking couldn’t be further from the truth. Real fulfillment only comes through knowing Christ; through living a life before the face of God (Coram Deo).
God means for us to be joyful. Contrary to popular belief, God actually wants us to be happy. Does finding joy in God mean that we walk around thinking only deep theological thoughts, not engaging the world around us? Does this mean that we must become ascetics and give up all earthly pleasures like monks? That is not the point at all. In fact, James (not me) said, “every good and perfect gift is from above…”c.f.1:17 Enjoying music, food, friendship, children, and love are all good things. In fact we are commanded to enjoy these things. The problem comes when we try to enjoy these things in ways that God has expressly forbidden. But, we can glorify God in the enjoyment of the good gifts that he gives. But, we must always remember that the joys in this brief life are only shadows when compared with the glory that he has prepared for us (I Cor. 2:9)
Of course you may recognize much of this thought from John Piper. You can read more on his website: desiring God. It is one of my links.
This pursuit of joy in God, remembering that this life is but a shadow, in the sense of brevity and in glory, is an important focus of my life and why I named the blog: From the Shadows.
Recent Comments