I have watched various post-apocalyptic films and TV shows and have been amazed that no one ever seemed to have missed their cell phones, or computers, or internet connections. Admittedly, the shock of having to adjust to a new world where basic survival is the order of the day would be hard. However, though I can only speak for myself, it would take me a very long time to stop lamenting the loss of my cell phone, and computer, and internet connection. I would be as bad as the Israelites who looked back to Egypt and complained:
“We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna” (Numbers 11:5-6).
Although catastrophic events do happen around us, many of us may never experience any life changing events that make us long for things we never expect to see again.
The apostle Paul counted his deliverance from his past life as life changing. But unlike the irrational longings of the Israelites for a return to Egyptian slavery, he counted his previous life as rubbish to be disposed of.
Paul had decided that when all was said and done, he was not going to be remembered for wasting his time living in the past. Instead, his life and ministry reflected the wisdom that God imparted to Solomon:
“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
John Staiger
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