Hello and welcome to Van Life Devotions. We are in Egypt and perhaps the most recognisable monuments in the world are The Pyramids of Giza. They have fascinated us for so long.
These aren’t the only ancient pyramids in the world, but they are the biggest. These pyramids of Giza were built over 4,000 years ago and are known as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Their architecture, how they built them, and their precision fascinates me.
The ancient Egyptians strongly believed in the afterlife which is a major reason why these pyramids and other tombs were built in Egypt. The pyramids were built to serve as temples to the gods and to entomb the pharaohs. As part of their beliefs about the afterlife, the ancient Egyptians believed that after death, the pharaohs would travel to the afterlife, taking their possessions with them.
It wasn’t just the Pharaohs who could continue into the afterlife, but every Egyptian had this opportunity. However, entry into this afterlife was not guaranteed. The dead had to negotiate a dangerous underworld journey and face the final judgment before they were granted access. If successful, they were required to provide eternal things for their spirit. These things could be achieved if proper preparations were made during a person’s lifetime.
Such preparations included the wearing of special jewellery. Now, most of us wear some form of jewellery. However, ancient Egyptians elevated the influence of jewellery to a greater level. They believed that such jewellery gave magical powers of protection and healing and brought good fortune. So not only did they wear this jewellery throughout their earthly life but when they die these items of jewellery were placed on various parts of the body during the wrapping process.
Coffins were probably the single most important piece of equipment. To ancient Egyptians coffins were designed to protect the physical body in this world and the spiritual body in the afterlife.
Finally, tombs were also important for the afterlife. Tombs were known to the ancient Egyptians as ‘houses of eternity’. They were made from non-perishable material such as stone. The tomb itself, if designed and built properly, had the power to restore life and give immortality to the dead owner.
It makes sense then why these pyramids are so big and their coffins so extravagant. It was all about the afterlife. In fact, these pyramids have two shafts going up from the king’s chamber to the outside of the pyramid which were for the ascension of the king's spirit to the heavens.
Most religions believe something about the afterlife. For Christianity, the bible talks a lot about the afterlife – heaven and hell. Hell is a place of punishment for those who refuse to follow Christ. Heaven, though, is something else. In Revelation 21 verses 2 to 5, John wrote: “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."” (Revelation 21:2-5 NIV). Jesus is preparing a room in heaven for those who faithfully follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. For Christians, the afterlife begins now. It’s called eternity and when our earthly life ceases, we will be raised in a new glorified body fit for eternity in heaven. The death of Christ and faith in Him secures our room. What a glorious hope we have!
Let’s Pray:
Gracious God. We recognised that we can’t earn our way to heaven, but we acknowledge that only Jesus, through His sacrificial death can saved us. Thank you for the assurance of heaven for those who believe in faith.
O God, preserve us who travel; surround us with your loving care; protect us from every danger; and bring us in safety to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
David Moyes
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