Treasuring eternity

Treasuring Eternity

Discover how the “third day” in Scripture points to God’s ultimate rescue and eternal abundance. From water turned to wine in Cana to the resurrection of Jesus, this message inspires hope, endurance, and joy, reminding us that the best is yet to come—eternity with Him.

Scripture Texts:

  • John 2:1–11

  • Hosea 6:2

  • Genesis 22:4

  • Exodus 19:11

  • Jonah 1:17

  • 1 Corinthians 2:9

  • Revelation 19

I. Introduction

  • Personal context: Last official sermon in Ottawa Church before leadership transition.

  • Series connection: Continuation of “Treasuring God” series — last week: Treasuring the Cross, today: Treasuring Eternity.

  • Key focus: Understanding eternity through the biblical pattern of “The Third Day”.

II. The Third Day in Scripture (Typology)

  • Definition: A typology is a real historical event in Scripture that points prophetically to a greater future event.

  • Examples in Old Testament:

    • Hosea 6:2 – “On the third day, He will raise us up.”

    • Genesis 22:4 – Abraham & Isaac: provision of the ram on the third day.

    • Exodus 19:11 – God gives the Law on the third day.

    • Jonah 1:17 – Jonah delivered from the fish on the third day.

  • New Testament climax:

    • Jesus’ resurrection on the third day — the ultimate divine rescue.

III. John 2:1–11 — Water into Wine

  • Setting: Wedding in Cana of Galilee — crisis of no wine (symbol of shame and emptiness).

  • Significance:

    • “On the third day” — not just a time reference but a theological signal.

    • Jesus transforms emptiness into abundance — a preview of eternal joy.

    • Best wine saved for last — pointing to the ultimate “wedding feast” in Revelation 19.

IV. Lessons from the Third Day Typology

  1. God rescues in hopeless moments

    • In Scripture, third day events follow a time of despair or lack.

    • Whatever “day” we are in — first day (trial starts), second day (waiting), third day is coming.

  2. Transformation, not just restoration

    • Jesus doesn’t just refill the jars — He transforms the water into the best wine.

    • In eternity, God’s restoration will surpass our imagination (1 Cor. 2:9).

  3. Hope fuels endurance

    • Like anticipating a vacation in hardship, eternal hope enables us to endure trials.

    • Our faith is “recession-proof, health-proof, and trouble-proof” because it’s anchored in the resurrection.

  4. Obedience unlocks blessing

    • Mary’s words: “Do whatever He tells you” — obedience precedes the miracle.

V. Practical Applications

  • Assess your “day”: Are you in the first day (struggle begins), second day (uncertainty), or anticipating the third day (breakthrough)?

  • Hold on to eternal hope: Trials are temporary; God’s abundance is eternal.

  • Treasure eternity daily: Let the promise of the third day shape how you respond to hardship, grief, or uncertainty.

  • Follow His instructions: Trust and obey even when the outcome isn’t yet visible.

VI. The Ultimate Wedding Feast

  • Revelation 19 — The marriage supper of the Lamb.

  • The joy of Cana is a foretaste of heaven’s banquet where the “best wine” never runs out.

VII. Conclusion & Communion Focus

  • Remember: Death, burial, and resurrection — all centered on the third day.

  • The third day is a reminder that:

    • Emptiness will become abundance.

    • Sorrow will turn to joy.

    • Time will be turned into eternity.

  • As we take the bread and cup, we proclaim our faith in the third day’s ultimate fulfillment.