“The Passion, Pursuit and Prize”

Yes, once we know why we’re here, it affects everything we think, say and do: because the joy’s not the final destination; it’s the journey itself that gets us there.

This past week we watched the Artemis 2 make its way back to earth after going further into outer space than anyone ever has before (252,756 miles).  The four crew members—which included the first woman, a Canadian and Black man—also saw sights on the backside of the moon that no one ever had before.

The pilot for the mission was Victor Glover, Jr., an African-American, former test pilot with the Navy, who’d accumulated more than 3,500 flight hours in more than 40 aircraft.  He was also the first Black astronaut to complete a long-term stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

But, the thing that made him stand out the most was his Faith.  During his time aboard the ISS, he took communion each week.  And, prior to his history-making trip aboard the Artemis 2, Glover told a church in Texas that “We have a sin nature and we need Jesus.  Jesus is that Bridge that spans sin.”

Then, he added, “My career is fed by my Faith and, you know, anytime I do anything that’s pretty risky, I pray: especially before I fly.”

So, we must imagine that his 10-day trip into outer space had a great impact on His Faith.  Most likely, when he looked out the window of that spacecraft—which was about the size of two minivans joined together—he felt like Jim Irwin, one of the few men to talk on the earth in 1971.

Prior to walking on the moon, Irwin was pretty much an agnostic, who believed there was more to life than what met the eye—but didn’t believe that a timeless, spaceless, immaterial, all-knowing, personal God did it.

However, as he stood there on the lunar surface “able to hold the earth as a blue marble in the palm of my hand,” he said, “I knew the moon wasn’t enough.”

Yes, he’d risen to the top of his professional career and stood where no man had stood before; yet, the sight of the earth in that black vacuum of outer space made him realize that didn’t happen by accident or coincidence.

And, it was then and there that he placed his Faith in God, returned to earth as a believer and dedicated the rest of his life to spreading the Good News about Jesus, the Christ.  In fact, he began a ministry organization known as “High Flight,” whose motto is “Man’s walking on the moon can’t compare to God’s walking on the earth.”

Thankfully, we don’t have to fly into outer space or stand on the moon to be overwhelmed by God’s Greatness and Majesty.  All we have to do is look up because “the heavens declare the Glory of God and the firmament (sky) shows His Handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).

Yes, all we have to do is look around us to see that there are burning bushes everywhere.  Likewise, even if we look within us.. . .at the intricacies of our body. . .our unique DNA, etc. . . then we can understand why David said “We are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:15).

And, it’s then we realize that our Purpose, as some believers said in the past, is to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”  In other words, He created us for His pleasure as the crowning act of His creation: so we could fellowship with Him and show His Love to others.

Yes, when we know that’s our real Purpose in life—not achievements, acquisitions, others’ applause and accolades, etc.—then it directly affects our priorities, passionate pursuits, etc., or, as Paul said about Jesus, “My Magnificent Obsession (Prize) in life is to know Him and the Power of His Resurrection” (Philippians 3:10a).

So, the question is “Is that your life’s Purpose?  Is knowing Jesus personally and intimately your #1 priority and pursuit?  Do you seek Him first in your life or is He just an afterthought or Someone you call on only when you need something from Him?”

Today’s the day to seek Him first and always: for that’s what life is all about.  Amen and amen.

        (NOTE:  If you’d like to contact Bro. Tom or receive his daily devotional, entitled “Morning Manna,” you can e-mail him at pressingon@hotmail.com).