“But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten” (Eccl 9:4-5 Gideon Bible).
I perk up when there are dog references, especially when the bible features canines. Ecclesiastes 9:4 grabbed my attention by the collar when I read, “for a living dog is better than a dead lion.”
Solomon wrote about wisdom from people who are alive in Christ. Like Jesus, I know my body will expire but I have immortal redemption if I keep my hope in Him. When I wonder, “What if this is it? What if everything I represent really ends when I die? What happens if I devote my mortal mission toward eternal life, only to discover that there is no heaven?
When I temporarily turn skeptic, I remember to live for the greater good now. Fortunately, logic eventually kicks in: “Christina, if you’re fully dead, how will you know? How will your misgivings matter?” I won’t be alive to discover cultural doubts.
If the world’s objections to heaven’s existence reign true, my qualms become silenced. John 14:2 provides sound truth in quoting Jesus, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.”
Philippians 3:20 teaches, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
When I see creation’s intricacies, I believe that Someone cherished who and what He created. I serve a Creator who handcrafts everything, everyone. I want to be like that living dog that Solomon wrote about, working my earth assignments with purpose.
Just as a canine eagerly awaits his owner, I anticipate my Master’s return. My heavenly Father adopted me, and I trust that He’s preparing my place in heaven. I live to be like a hopeful dog, not a dead lion.
Wagging my tail, no lyin’😉
Christina
