Imperishable

Where I live, we’ve all been told to stock up on food in the face of COVID-19. Before my workplace shut down, I joined the herd at the grocery store, trying to find food on the shelves that was imperishable. Food that lasts and does not spoil. I settled on spiced tuna and Kraft dinner. Don’t judge me.

In these days in this world, much seems perishable.

The job you’ve been working at tirelessly for years. Perishable.

The economy we’ve been pouring into. Perishable.  

The level of health we’ve enjoyed. Perishable.

The vulnerable in our society. Perishable.

And the horrible thing we’ve all been realizing, was that life always was perishable. We’re just noticing it now. We’ve been walking around with misguided priorities and a false sense of security, based on our own strength. 

But we all have an expiry date.

What do we do in the face of this? Do we eat spiced tuna and Kraft dinner and drown our troubles in ketchup?

We turn to Scripture (even while nibbling) and read the words of Jesus:

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. – John 3:16-17

Eternal. Imperishable. We have been given life that will never end, enjoyed forever in the presence of the All-Beautiful, All-Holy One. And no virus, or trouble, or death, or Devil can take it away. 

I am hungry for imperishable hope. I am starving for unspoilable joy in a world of sorrow and fear.

Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’ – John 6:35

Jesus lasts. Jesus doesn’t go bad. Jesus fills our hearts to overflowing. When my heart has been empty, I have found nourishment from the hope He brings by meditating on who He is and what He’s done for me.

In seasons of upheaval, I’d recommend diving deep into the Gospel of John. It has allowed me to read (and eat) first hand the amazing love and sacrifice and victory Jesus has for me.

He has the same love and sacrifice and victory for you.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. – John 14:27