I’ve watched a lot of historical documentaries over the years – all on pivotal events in human history. The Lewis and Clark expedition, the Civil War, the history of the Roman Republic, and the rise of the Roman Empire are just a few of the subjects covered. These documentaries are also often biographical in nature, focusing on heroes from our past. People like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson take center stage.
Most of these documentaries feature a narrator, accompanied by a number of historians. And very frequently, somewhere in the retelling of history, the historians make a statement to this effect. “I wish I could have been there when General Lee surrendered in the Appomattox Court House.” “I wish I could have been there when Lewis and Clark met with President Jefferson and briefed him on their expedition.” “I wish I could have been there at Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown, at the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, and at the Gettysburg Address. Those were all magic moments in American history.”
Indeed they were. Yet, I suspect that, when those magic moments were occurring, the participants gave little thought to their significance. For, in most cases, they were poorly recorded. And sometimes – such as the meeting between Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis, and William Clark – there is no record at all. Famous speeches, like the Gettysburg Address, were dismissed at the time they were delivered. It’s simply a fact of human nature that, regardless of the historical significance of the moment, we fail to grasp it. We overlook the magic of the moment.
Now think for a moment about this dreary and confining life we live. Think about the totality of human history. When we are finally released from this world of woe into the vast spaces of eternity, this long arduous day will shrink down to the size of a grain of salt. It will seem so small.
Yet, despite its diminutive size compared with eternity, both saints and angels will view this present existence as a rare magic moment. This present but fleeting existence will be forever studied, examined, referenced and celebrated. Why? Because within this short span of existence, God executed His greatest works. His great redemptive plan unfolded within this bubble of space and time. The Scripture tells us that the events of this existence are things into which angels long to look (1 Peter 1:12).
This present existence is filled with magic moments. These magic moments include spiritual battles of eternal significance which are presently being fought. It’s the furnace of affliction in which God is taking children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3) and transforming them into glorified children of His love (1 John 3:1-2). It’s the tiny sphere in which Almighty God humbled Himself to become a little baby, then grow to become a humble servant, then be put to death on a cross to purchase our eternal redemption and demonstrate God’s infinite love (Romans 5:6-8; Philippians 2:5-11).
It’s no wonder that this present life will be the subject of continual conversation, study, and wonder throughout eternity. For it’s packed full of events and people of profound and eternal significance. The events of this present existence will inspire eternal praise and thanksgiving to God.
Angels will enviously view this life and its participants from a distance and say to themselves, “I wish I could have been there.” “I wish I could have witnessed those magic moments when God performed His mighty miracles, redeeming lives and crushing Satan beneath their feet” (Romans 16:20). “For billions of towering and glorious saints now fill heaven because of God’s amazing deeds in that once-in-eternity existence.”
Yes, this present – momentary but eternally significant – existence will inspire everlasting praise to God. It’s the stage of eternity’s most significant performances. Its many magic moments will thrill saints and angels alike. And you and I are right in the middle of it now.
So let’s not be like those participants in the magic moments of secular history, oblivious to their significance. Let’s remember the words of Psalm 118:24, “This is the day which the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Let’s grasp the significance of our seemingly menial work which, when performed for God, makes all heaven rejoice. Let’s understand that these present trials are the outworking of God’s miracles to transform us into Christ’s glorious image. Let’s grasp the magic of this moment – and make the most of it. For this magic moment will be studied and celebrated throughout all eternity.
PRAYER: Dear Father in heaven, please open my eyes to the significance of this day, the task I now perform, and the life I now live. Keep me, O God, from squandering my existence on frivolous and unproductive pursuits, but let me live my life for You. And since my life will be studied and hopefully celebrated throughout eternity, please help me to be faithful to You in everything – through all adversity and gloom. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
