The word zenith was original used in reference to celestial bodies such as stars and planets. It marked the highest point reached as the object moved through the sky. In the course of time, it became a reference to any high point whether literal or metaphorical.
With this in mind, what is the Gospel’s zenith? What is the “highest point” we can identify on this journey of faith?
Regardless of what we might understand at the outset of our journey of faith, God’s ultimate goal is to restore humanity to fellowship with him. This goal will be attained at the culmination of all things.
Whether we think about it often or not, there is a powerful eschatological component to the Gospel. If you are not familiar with he word eschatological, it is in reference to what will happen at the end of time and Jesus returns.
For the Christian, the Gospel is the doorway into the Christian life. But the Gospel is also the ongoing pursuit of the Christian’s journey. There is nothing more important. Or at least there should not be.
As we continue to mature in our understanding of God’s grace; as we grow in our trust of God’s promises; as we endeavor to embody the example of Jesus in our own lives, we indicate that we are on the steady march toward God’s ultimate purpose. These serve as the markers of our progress toward that end.
If you are wondering what all this has to do with our Gospel focus, it’s this: the zenith of the Gospel is the eternal glory of all those who endure to the end. Jesus spoke of those who continue in faith in his warning and description of the events at the close of history in Matthew 24. Tucked away in that passage he offers this simple promise.
13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
Matthew 24:13 NKJV
The world will put all manner of obstacles in our way. Some are the result of our own actions. Others impediments will be the result of the action of others. And the vast majority of them will be there because we live in a world deeply affected by sin.
Regardless of the reason, we are called to endure. To continue to hold onto the promises of God. To not allow the challenges of the world to keep us from marching toward God’s purpose.
The zenith of the Gospel is found in Jesus leading us into God’s presence. We experience some of that in passing moments here in this world. Some longer than others. But there will come a day when what comes and goes will come and stay.
I look forward to that day. And so should you.
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