As long as we live on this temporary globe called earth, pleasure (in whatever form) will always be temporary (see article and Ecclesiastes 2 NET). Not only pleasure, but life itself is a "fleeting" commodity here on earth (Ecclesiastes 3:19; 5:20; 6:12; 7:15; 9:9; 11:10).The Hebrew writer realized that even sin's pleasures are "fleeting" (Hebrews 11:24-25 NLT).
Sadly, even the close association we have with fellow Christians in this earthly existence is temporary. Realizing the fact that he would soon be put on trial for the cause of Christ (Acts 19:21; 23:11), Paul knew that he would no longer see the Ephesian elders this side of eternity.
Some of the saddest words written by inspiration is recorded in Acts 20:36-38 NLT: "When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship."
But praise God, the Psalmist David, provides us with Psalm 16 (NLT) ..... a prayer of his fully trusting in the Lord, and the encouraging words found at the end of this beautiful and powerful Psalm: "You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."
God's desire all along has been to eternally dwell with His faithful people, who have maintained their allegiance to Him (Revelation 21:1-7 NLT). Beloved, those pleasures of living with our Creator and all of the faithful who have ever lived (Hebrews 11), will never end. The temporary aspects of pleasure found on this earth will be forever gone and forgotten.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
---Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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