After the Apocalypse

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. – Psalm 107:1 (NIV) 

Some people think another meteoric collision will end life as we know it on the planet and set the stage for a completely different ecosystem. Others anticipate human life to end by the wanton recklessness of human vanity. And yes, there are many believers who wait faithfully for the trumpet to sound, and for the dead in Christ to rise incorruptible, and for the rapture of the saints who’ll be caught up to meet Jesus in the air. 

No matter what scenario of the apocalypse you endorse, the question remains: After the end, what’s next? At the expiration of our lifetimes, will it have mattered that we ever existed?  

God, our eternal hope, lets us know the most enduring currency in this life and after this life is love. Love is our invitation to enter God’s eternity while we still live. 

Fascism, nationalism, and egotism are the current bastions of human society. But by the end, God says every mighty stronghold and every proud knee will bow to love. 

Love is the foundation for all that will survive throughout our lifetimes and beyond. 

Love is eternal, and love is also essential to everyday life. The song “Sadie” by a soul group called The Spinners is an ode to a beloved matriarch; its lyrics point to the same truth: “Ain’t it funny that in the end it’s not money; it’s just the love you gave us all.” 

According to Maya Angelou, people will forget the words you say, but they will never forget how you make them feel. The feelings of love we inspire; the commitments to love we make; the sacrifices for love we give; the joys of love we cherish … these are the only things that make life worth living and that make eternity worth anticipating.  

Prayer
When all else diminishes and dissipates, thank you Lord for love that abides forever. Amen.

About the Author
Kenneth L. Samuel is Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Decatur, Georgia.