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Echoes*

  • September 30, 2024
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
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He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers
to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. – Psalm 78:5-7

I have a habit that many people don’t understand. If I like a movie, I will watch and rewatch it many times. Not back-to-back, mind you. But I will turn it on if I see it on the channel guide or will stream it if there isn’t anything else on that I want to watch. I have been told on several occasions that the endings of those movies won’t change, and so far, those people are right. I guess there’s just something I like about rewatching a movie that I enjoy, seeing things that I have missed or gaining perspectives that I hadn’t considered. I’m sure the world’s true academics cringe at that thought, but you chose to read this.

One of my repeatable movies is Gladiator, a film from the year 2000 starring Russell Crowe. It’s the story of a Roman general named Maximus. At the beginning of the movie, we find ourselves transported to the year 180 AD. The Roman army is preparing for battle against a Germanic tribe near Vindobona (the modern-day city of Vienna, Austria). As the battle is about to begin, Maximus gives his final instructions to a company of soldiers on horseback. He is direct, but also manages to sprinkle in some dark humor to the men about finding themselves in Elysium. As the chortles subside, Maximus offers a final reminder to his men.

“Brothers, what we do in life echoes in eternity.”

An interesting statement to leave these men with as they are about to enter the fray. My initial thought was that this doesn’t offer a great deal of solace. But then again, what military leader is going to offer solace ahead of a battle? So, maybe this is a perfect send off. It speaks a message of confidence that the war will be won, and Rome will prevail. If we survive, we will have achieved victory and can bask in all its glory. If we die, we will have given our lives to something far bigger than any single one of us, the glory of Rome. Maximus’ words convey strength and honor, and who doesn’t want to be a part of that.

That’s all well and good heading into battle, but does that same sentiment hold true under different circumstances? I can see it in some occupations. Every four years, the people of the United States elect someone to lead our country. Their decisions will fill history books and be remembered for centuries. There are also a handful of performers and/or entertainers who may achieve a level of notoriety that their name and accomplishments might also tumble down through the annals of time. Like fame, infamy can also keep a person’s name and deeds alive long after they have died. Other than people in those exclusive categories, it’s hard to see how the lives of the rest of us common folk will echo into eternity. Not to be disparaging, but life tells us that most of the billions of people who have, are, or will walk the face of planet Earth will not have lives that echo in eternity. Uber drivers, librarians, EMT’s, surgeons, lumberjacks, farmers, dog groomers, architects, and the cable guy are but a few of the billions of anonymous people who the world will embrace from conception until the final act of decomposition on their body is complete. That’s a harsh thing to contemplate. After all, we want our lives to have meaning and purpose. Unfortunately, even the loudest sounds create an echo that fades until it is silenced by time.

So why are we here if we’re not making any impact?

Who said we weren’t?

Our lives, goals, desires, and ambitions may not leave us famous and remembered for years to come. However, we are blessed to have an eternal God who created us, the Son of God who saved us, and the Spirit of God who creates faith in God within us. Our lives create for us opportunities to serve God through the telling, sharing, and demonstrating of His great love for all mankind. When we do that, we are fulfilling the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Our lives present Christ and His love to others through the work of the Holy Spirit. In this, both we and those with whom we share our love of Jesus grow in their faith. It brings forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life to those who believe. Finally, one day when the world has completely forgotten who we are and what we did, our Savior will bring us to the throne of God where we will be welcomed into Heaven where we will sing praises that will in fact, echo in eternity.

*Used with Permission

 

Devotion by Richard Schumacher

Senior Director of Operations