We were not meant to die. That was never God’s plan. Man, the crowning act of creation, was intended to live forever. So incredible is the brain of man that an eternity of living would not exhaust its enjoyment of life and love. We were created to live.

Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com

We start this quarter’s lesson by broadly examining The Rhythms of Life. So much living is possible between the time to be born and the time to die. From infancy through childhood and into adulthood, there is much to discover and to do.

For some, those seasons of life are full of anxiety and care. War-torn nations are full of people whose day to day existence is anything but enjoyable. Then, on the other end of life’s spectrum, there are those who are born into a life that most can only dream of. Between those two extremes, the world is full of individuals trying their best to live life to the fullest and ensure that their offspring have a fighting chance.

Regardless of where we find ourselves, one thing is assured – life is not guaranteed. No one has a lock on tomorrow. Appreciating that should influence how we transition through these seasons of life. 

Unfortunately for too many of us, it is not until we are in the latter half of life that we realize how much of it we wasted. If only we could turn back the hands of time, how different life would have been for us.

And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? Matthew 20:6

Our choices regarding who to love and how to spend our time are often colored by our lack of appreciation of how fragile life is. The currents of life push us along and, before we know it, decades have passed. If we’re fortunate, there was more good than bad, and our regrets will not hang over us like a dark cloud.

They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. Matthew 20:7

But is just living a good life for our short amount of years on this earth enough? I don’t believe so. God has greater intentions for our lives.

So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. Matthew 20:8

Knowing this makes the gospel so powerful. Like Saul, whose life was interrupted and refocused by a divine visit, God is changing the trajectory of lives of all who come unto Him. Regardless of our past or present, God has a plan for everyone. The gospel commission gives to all, whether young or in the twilight of life, a new set of priorities.

And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. Matthew 20:9

Our acceptance of our Savior’s sacrifice and His calling on our lives connects us back to that source of immortality initially designed for man. It is only then that we can fully appreciate the life that now is and the life that is to come.

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. Matthew 20:16

Here are a few Hit the Mark questions for this week’s lesson discussion:

• What does living a good life mean to you?
• Does the Bible teach that accepting Jesus will make your material life better? Explain your answer
• What is our purpose in life after accepting Jesus?
• What, if any, are some indicators to show if we are fulfilling our mission in life?
• Which is more vital to the life of the church, young people, middle-aged or seniors? Explain your answer.
• Are calamities in a believer’s life an indication that God is testing them? Explain your answer?
• Is the following statement True, Mostly True, Somewhat True or Not True: Older church members in leadership should move out of the way for younger leaders. Explain your answer.

We close this week’s lesson with a text we’ll undoubtedly refer to throughout this quarter. It sums everything up with clarity.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Until next week, let’s all continue to Hit the Mark in Sabbath School!

Print/PDF/Email