I made my first visit to Rome a few years ago. Friends who traveled there told me I’d love Rome, particularly the history, the food and the people. I got on the plane full of faith. The city did not disappoint, especially the pasta dishes, which I enjoyed day after day after day.

Paul taught the followers of Jesus living in Corinth about faith in an unknown future. We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. You and I move toward an obscured eternity, hints of which exist all around us.

Like guidebooks speak of Rome, the Good Book testifies to the heavenly realms. The beauty of creation hints of this Creator who’s preparing a place more majestic and irresistible than we can pretend to comprehend. Paul goes on to write, We live by faith, not by sight. Our optimism is not misguided. If we take time to notice God’s work, our appetite for a visit to his upper lands will grow.

Rome is called the Eternal City due to it’s longevity and boundless beauty. But Rome is only a pleasing yet temporary stop on our way to the world beyond. As fabulous as any place on this earth may be, it’s only a shadow of things to come.

2 Corinthians 4 & 5 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by David Köhler