Looking Back or Looking Forward

A contrast has come into my mind. The first group is represented by the generation of Israel that followed Moses out of Egypt. The second group is represented by the people listed in the hall of faith in Hebrews 11.

The first group yearned for the comforts of Egypt, even if it meant returning to slavery. Moses reports, "In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, 'If only we had died by the LORD's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death'" (Exod. 16:2-3, NIV). Today, there are many who profess faith in Christ, but you yearn for an easier life. They want to return to the supposed comforts of their former life: a dull conscience, self-indulgence, and the like.

The second group yearns for the comforts of a heavenly city. The author of Hebrews records, "If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a betetr country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them" (Heb. 11:15-16, NIV). Today, there are many pilgrims who are still searching for that city. They realize that their is no lasting comfort in their former life, because sin leads to death. They push on, in faith, for the heavenly city where they will only experience holiness, love, and peace.

Which group represents us? Are we the kind of people who are grumbling for a return to slavery? Or are we the kind of people who, through faith in Christ, have thrown of the yoke of slavery and a pursuing life? Those who look back assume that happiness will be achieved through returning to what is familiar. Those who look forward are sure of what they hope for and certain of what they do not see (see Heb. 11:1). Better days are ahead, even if they can only be reached by going through darker days. So, are you looking backwards for happiness or pressing forward for joy?