Infinitesimal

 

 

Infinitesimal

in·​fin·​i·​tes·​i·​mal | \ (ˌ)in-ˌfi-nə-ˈte-sə-məl

, -zə-məl \

Definition of infinitesimal

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : immeasurably or incalculably small an infinitesimal difference

2 : taking on values arbitrarily close to but greater than zero

Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infinitesimal

Infinitesimal – such a fine word for smallness and insignificance.

I think I got introduced to the word by my fluid mechanics professor, of all people and things, in a lecture whose contents now has eluded me.

But the word is very apt in describing our human lives – nothing but a drop in a vast ocean. Every culture has its narrative: heroes to look up to, founders to fawn upon etc. Yet, all will be forgotten in the passage of time and by each successive generation.

This is our legacy and our lot, being infinitesimal.

The contrast is stark and profound when we compare what we are with God who is infinite. God alone gives us meaning in our finiteness. Sure we may attempt to create our own meaning for our existence but it will be a hollow infinitesimal attempt that will never last beyond a few generations; then there are also those who live only for but a few seconds, minutes, hours or days and so have no opportunity to experience life much less to create meaning and forge their own paths.

Yet in our hearts, God has put a hunger for eternity.

And so Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11:25-26 (ESV)

We, if God permits, shall experience life for a short time and after which we will have to give an account to God for our time. And our sins weigh heavily on us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (ESV)

Hebrews 9:27-28 (ESV) says, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”

Will you let Jesus pay for your sins and be your Lord? Or will you choose to pay for your own sins?

The clock never stops ticking and infinitesimal is what we are.