Why Does God Want Us To Look Ahead?

Looking ahead.

Thousands of years ago, how could an Old Testament person comprehend the idea of Christ? Our Savior dying for the sins of the world…physically taking on the punishment that we each deserved?

The people during that time used to make sacrifices that suggested this idea. However, it was one thing to kill a lamb, and something quite different to think of God’s only Son being the one sacrificed on our behalf.

What was God doing through the requirement of those lamb sacrifices?

He was drawing a parallel. He was pulling aside the curtain of time so the people of Isaiah’s day could look ahead with hope. He wanted them to look forward toward the promise of the future Messiah and the resulting forgiveness made available to all of mankind.

So what does this mean for us now? This is our reminder to look expectantly ahead at what God is doing. What has He promised that you can look forward to? What is He leading you to? What assignments does He have for you?

Boldly step into today, led by the Savior of the World, with the cross before you and the world behind you. As the hymn says, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back…no turning back.”

We are surrounded by negativity whether it be from the news, social media, gossip, drama, and so many other sources. Today, let’s drown out that noise, live presently and thank God for what He’s doing right now, while also looking ahead in hope and faith toward what our Savior will do in the future.

As you practice this mindset, remember the words of Paul in Philippians 3:13-14:

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”