And then?

It is a simple question that children ask, but it motivates serious meditation!

It is not unusual for parents to be bombarded with all kinds of questions from their children. The questions that these little ones pose aren’t always easy to answer. Often the wise father or smart and well-spoken mother can be put in a rather awkward position by these questions.

For example, I read a little story somewhere that went something like this:

A boy who was not yet six years old had thought a great deal about his future. Because he could not deal with his many questions about the future on his own, he came to his mother for support. 

“Mom, what will happen when I turn six?” – “You should know - that is when you will start school.” – “And then?” – “Then you will go on to study for a prestigious, high-paying profession.” – “And then?” – “Then you will be happily married like mom and dad are.” – “And then?” – “Then a wonderful life will follow. You will earn much money and will become an esteemed, rich man.” – “And then?”

The mother soon realized that she could not continue to engage in a lengthy conversation with the inquisitive youngster.  She was uncomfortable with allowing the youngster to continue with his questions. But she still had one answer for him, “You will simply become old like all people do”. – Shortly after this the little intellectual said, “And what then, Mom?”

Yes, what then? – The question is serious indeed, even if it comes from a young boy.

Many a father or mother might experience the same uncomfortable situation as this mother did. They are very knowledgeable about the things of this present time and can give detailed explanations about any number of topics. They know how to “master” their own life, how to manage their finances, and they can even educate others in these matters. Some may even have earned a number of awards and diplomas. But, can they really give an answer to the question posed by the young boy mentioned earlier? They have all kinds of goals and plans for themselves and for their children, and are committed to reaching those goals. We must accept the fact that the hearts of many people, including those of the children of God, are burdened by cares of this world. Jesus gave earnest warnings against these cares. Similar to that young mother, many strive for a good education, for a comfortable life, for a large inheritance, for an enjoyable retirement and so on. – And then?

Jesus showed what great harm the cares of this world can bring to our spiritual life (Matthew 13:22). As a result we can completely fall into an earthly mindset and fail to prepare for eternity (read Luke 21:34). In Psalm 73 the writer describes the life of luxury of certain people and finally in verse 19 he states: “Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.” – How terrible! What then?

Let’s also think about those people who once were committed to serving God, but either lost that dedication, or perhaps were never truly committed in the first place. Some are very eager. Their hands, their feet, their lips are actively involved, but where is their heart? The true spiritual, burning, God-consecrated heart?! Many are unaware of how little of the “good measure” they possess, and how much is indeed lacking within them. But they make no effort to gain it. They let year after year pass and when the end suddenly approaches, what then?

Now I think of the people who bury their “talent” and have lived with false hopes that they will be able to somehow reconcile their debt with the Lord. How surprisingly sad was the “reckoning” for the servant in Luke 19. We read that he was not given another opportunity to do what he had previously failed to accomplish. Dear reader, if the same happens to you, what then?

There are others that are indifferent in regards to their shortcomings and deliberate transgressions.  They may have yielded to the temptation to stir up trouble, to give offence to others, or to cause strife. Very often people are unforgiving and allow unresolved issues to remain in their lives. What if God asks them to give account for this? Then what? We could apply this to other areas as well. We are not dealing with a simple question from a child, but a serious question with eternal consequences.

We all must take a position in regard to this question. Therefore we would like to make this a personal soul-searching question, with which we come before God and ask with David: “Search me, o God” (Psalm 139). There is no guarantee that we will have a long life, as the mother believed in regard to her son. However, it is certain that sooner or later we will be at the end of our life. For some of us this may be sudden and unexpected. Then what? – Then the righteous will go into the joy of their Lord. The faithful will obtain the promised crown of life. The redeemed will receive their heavenly inheritance and will be with God forever. Will you be there?

Friedrich Krebs