Unforgettable, That's What I'm Not.

"Gone but not forgotten."

Those were the words that were inscribed on a tombstone that my dear friend and I found while meandering through a graveyard. This man died in the 1800s. I can't remember his name, and I'm sad to say I doubt anyone else can either. He's gone, and he's forgotten.

As humans, we like to think that we're permanent. We like to make ourselves at home. However, another Rockfordian died in a car crash the day after my post last week, so death is fresh on my mind. Two deaths in one week. Whoa. I did not know this young man personally--being three years older than me--but it hit close to home. Literally.

With so many deaths in such a short period of time, it has really gotten me thinking about our permanence in this life. And really, we have none. We're not permanent. In the grand scheme of eternity, we are nothing. However, there is a constant in life.

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever."--Isaiah 40:8

That includes us. We wither; we fade. But the Word of our God-- the written Word in Scripture, and the spoken and living Word in Christ (check out John 1!)-- is permanent. Every law in Scripture is permanent. Every promise in Scripture is permanent. The sacrifice of the Cross is permanent. The forgiveness proclaimed in His resurrection is permanent. The love of God is permanent. HE is permanent.

And God knows that we're not.

"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." --Psalm 103:13-14

He made us; He knows that we're fragile. And He reminds us throughout His Word that He isn't. He's strong; He's good; He's here to stay.

Let's face it--people will most likely one day forget all of us. Unless you do something crazy like Columbus or Martin Luther or Edison, most people are forgettable. After a few generations, you're gone. You're a name in a family tree. But our great God is not forgettable. He's here to stay.

So today, instead of trying to make a name and legacy for yourself, let's praise the One who doesn't have to try. Let us look to the Lord who is permanent. Let us trust in His death and resurrection. He will never forget us. And really, that's the only thing that matters in eternity anyway!