It's Not the Journey

When we think of the series, Indiana Jones, many of us have a specific movie in mind.

Meaning we think of the characters according to that time frame or period of time.

The idea of each though, is reasonably the same.

For instance: Harrison Ford, who plays Indiana Jones, is after some item of significant importance from history.

One may remember: Raiders of the Lost Arc, the movie where Jones was looking for the Ark of the Covenant.

Similarly in this movie Indy is looking for something of Archaeological value, but also important to keep from the hands of the evil character who will use it to alter history, gain significance, or rule the world.

In this particular film, Indy is after the Dial of Archimedes, also know as the Antikythera mechanism.

This mechanism is best described as the oldest example of an analog computer.

In reality the device was used to predict astrological movements, season changes, etc.

In the movie the device is said to allow for time travel.

The plot, Juergen Voller, a Nazi scientist, believes the dial holds the secret to time travel and he has nefarious plans for the device.

His desire is to find the device, alter history, kill Hitler, and allow Germany to win the war.

Indy’s job is to get the device and stop him.

Little do they know that the device transports them back not to the 1940’s, but to its creation time frame—200 B.C.

Interesting idea—Indiana Jones had always wanted to see the Battle of Syracuse and he arrives there in this movie.

So we know none of these things are true and the movie is fictional.

Have you ever thought about the villains in movies such as this or for that matter the guys on the wrong side historically are always trying to arrive at some sort of fantasy place they have created in their minds.

In this way, this movie tends to copy real life, but only in this way.

Let’s look to God’s Word in the book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 13:14–15 ESV

14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

Don’t Drive Your Fence Posts Too Deep!

If we read our passage in context, it gives the recognition that Jesus was sacrificed outside the city just as the bodies of the animals sacrificed for sins were burned outside the camp.

Jerusalem, where the Temple was located, was certainly and is certainly considered the “Holy City”, but must grasp the fact that the work of Christ was outside the camp.

Even Jerusalem will pass away.

Revelation 21:1–2 ESV

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

So we must grasp the fact that we have not arrived and will not arrive in our eternal home on this earth.

The writer of Hebrews conveys this idea…

Hebrews 13:14 (ESV)

For here we have no lasting city…

Meaning this is not our final home.

In the movie the evil character seems to want to establish his brand of paradise.

But in really paradise, at least in this fallen world, is lost.

This certainly we might ask, “why don’t we drive the fence posts deep.

This is not our home.

We long for a place that we have never seen before.

Prepare For Your Future!

Hebrews 13:14 (ESV)

…but we seek the city that is to come.

We are not looking for paradise here.

It’s not about the journey, it’s about the finish line.

Where is our hope and future?

Psalm 62:5–6 (ESV)

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,

for my hope is from him.

He only is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

Our foundation is in Christ.

Our Salvation is in Christ

Our Security is in Christ

Our Solace is in Christ.

We do not look to this world as our home, but to the one to come.

Isaiah 62:1–5 ESV

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. 2 The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. 3 You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. 4 You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married. 5 For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

You see, our text…we should grasp the time 66-70 A.D.

There was great levels of pressure towards the Jewish Christian to connect and support the homeland.

Thus, to be Jewish first as a citizen of Jerusalem.

Then they would use patriotism as a separation from Christianity.

As much as we love the U.S., this is a momentary place not eternal.

So we are not getting too comfortable and we are preparing for what the Lord has…

But what now?

Praise Him!

Hebrews 13:15 ESV

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

Why?

Because if He never gives us another thing, we have received more than we deserve already (or better than we deserve.)

Walking Away, But In...

Take your eyes off the day to day and put them on the One who holds the day, Jesus.

Continue forth and Wait on Christ.