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A Different and Better Kingdom: A Story

A Different and Better Kingdom: A Story

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“We will stop here for a moment,” Jesus stated to his followers.  The numbers traveling with Jesus continued to grow; his miracles and messages making him one of the most revered Rabbis in the land.  A murmur of surprise … with an undertone of concern … arose from the group.  This was not the safest area on the outskirts of Jerusalem. 

The questioning whispers rose in volume and intensity when Jesus gestured to “The Wandering Sheep” gathering house, and announced, “I must go in there.”  The facility was well-known for catering to the less spiritual crowd and their unwholesome fancies.  “Peter, John, James … come with me.”  To the others he said, “Rest a bit; we’ll be back shortly.”

A short distance from the entrance, Jesus paused and turned to the three disciples.  “I want you to simply watch, listen and learn.  No matter what, don’t get involved.”  His voice was firm and he locked eyes with each of them in turn.  “No matter what, don’t get involved,” he repeated.

The three exchanged uneasy glances.  Finally, Peter asked the question on all their minds.  “Teacher, is this safe?”

“No.  Not for most.  But it will be for us,” Jesus replied, then turned to the door.

Even before entering, the din of the clientele inside could be heard.  Boisterous exclamations, boasts, curses, and wine-fueled guffaws filled the air.  It all turned to silence as the four stepped inside the door.  They were greeted with menacing stares and shifting postures from the tables around the room.

“Don’t mind us.  We’ll only be here briefly,” Jesus announced matter-of-factly, and with a strikingly calm voice.  Though eyes remained on them, the newcomers didn’t appear threatening, so conversations gradually resumed.  But in a much more subdued tone.

Jesus led his disciples directly to a table in the corner, the eyes of most still following them suspiciously.  There sat three middle-aged men with wine cups before them, glaring at the newcomers.  The man in the center was tall and handsome with jet-black hair and piercing brown eyes.  Even at first glance, the disciples couldn’t help but notice his confidence and charisma.  And his menace.  The two others with him looked equally threatening.

“Who are you and why are you here,” the man in the center growled.

The Lord answered, “Hello, Jesus Barabbas.  Gestas.  Dismas.”

The leader leaned closer, glowering.  “How do you know our names?”

“I know many, many things, Barabbas,” said the Lord.  “You would be wise to listen to me.”

“And who exactly are you, that I should listen to you?”

The Lord replied, “You are Jesus Barabbas – which means ‘Savior, Son of the Father.’  Ironically, I am also Jesus, Savior, and Son of the Father.  But my Father is not of this world. (Mt. 23:9) Which is why the truly wise truly listen to me.”

At hearing his name, the three rogues started in surprise.  Barabbas scowled.  “I’ve heard of you, Jesus.  Ironic we have the same name, because you seem to preach a different type of salvation than I do.”

“Yes.  It is the Father’s holy irony,“ the Savior replied with a grim smile.  “Our paths are linked, Barabbas.  And in more ways than just our common names.  You can’t fathom it now, but it will be made clear to you in time.”  He paused.  “And you are correct; we preach a different salvation.  Yours is empty; mine is full – though it will seem for a time to be just the opposite.”

“You are speaking in riddles, teacher.”  The word “teacher” was spoken by Barabbas with acute sarcasm.  “I don’t much care for riddles.”

“The wise understand; the foolish do not.  Those who have ears … hear.” (Mk. 4:9)  Jesus glanced meaningfully at Dismas.  Dismas blinked in surprise.

“Are you insulting me … Jesus?”  Again, the derision from Barabbas.  “Because I don’t much care for insults either.”  The man half rose.  “And I don’t tolerate them either.”

“I am not insulting you or anyone, Barabbas.  I am simply stating a fact,” Jesus replied peacefully.

Barabbas slowly settled back into his seat, his gaze still treacherous.  Peter, James and John exhaled audibly. 

Barabbas smiled, but without a shred of kindness or mirth.  “So again I’ll ask: why are you here, Jesus?  Are you spying for the cursed Romans?”  Jesus shook his head.  Barabbas continued, “I’ve heard that you said to ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.’  Is it true that you actually urged God’s enslaved people to gladly pay taxes to the thieving, Roman-backed publicans?”  His voice grew more intense as he spoke.

Jesus didn’t break his gaze.  “I told God’s people to give to God what was owed to God, and to Rome what was owed to Rome.” (Mk. 12:17)

It happened so suddenly that Jesus’ disciples couldn’t have reacted even if they chose.  Barabbas had exploded from his seat, grabbed Jesus’ cloak in one fist, and held a dagger at Jesus’ throat with the other.  “So you admit it, traitor!  Are you here to check out the rumors of Barabbas?  I know they’re out there.”

While Peter, James and John instinctively cowered backward in fear, to their immense astonishment Jesus hadn’t even flinched.  He calmly replied, “No, Barabbas.  I am not here on behalf of the Romans.  I am actually here to speak with you about the kingdom you hope to establish.”

Barabbas glared at Jesus menacingly for a moment, then slowly withdrew his dagger and returned it to its sheath.  He settled back onto his stool.  He spread his hands wide and said, “So talk, teacher.”

The Savior pulled a stool from a nearby table and settled onto it.  He reached for the pitcher of wine on the table and poured some of it into a cup that hadn’t been there a second ago.  The eyes of the other men around the table grew wide.  The Lord took a lingering drink, then set the cup down.  He focused on Barabbas, then spoke.  His voice was calm, but his words carried power.

“Barabbas, we both have a same name, and we share the same goal – to establish a kingdom for God’s people.  But that is where our similarities end.  The kingdoms we hope to establish are radically different.” 

Jesus paused; the other three at the table were listening intently.  He continued, speaking slowly and deliberately.  “You are seeking a kingdom on earth; I am seeking to establish a kingdom in heaven.  You seek a kingdom of freedom and peace for bodies; I am seeking a kingdom of freedom and peace for souls.  You desire an end to the oppression of the State; I will bring an end to the penalty of sin with God.  You long for deliverance from a physical bondage to men; I will bring deliverance from a spiritual bondage to demons.  You are willing to fight for a kingdom of temporary glory; I will fight for a kingdom of eternal glory.”

Jesus folded his hands comfortably on the tabletop and spoke again. “You think that your kingdom will bring joy, but it will be in my kingdom that true and lasting joy will be found.” (Lk. 4:43)

“What is this fanciful kingdom you speak of?” asked the future insurrectionist with derision.

“It is the kingdom of God.  It is why I have come into this world – to testify to the truth and to establish a spiritual kingdom encompassing heaven and earth.” (Jn. 18:36-37)

“It seems to me that you testify to nonsense,” was the reply.

“To many it seems as nonsense,” Jesus said to Barabbas.  Then turning his gaze to Dismas, he added, “But a few recognize it as sense.”  Dismas shifted uncomfortably.  Keeping his focus on him, the Lord continued, “The kingdom of heaven is like discovering a treasure of incalculable value.  Once found, it is worth pursuing, sacrificing, gaining and embracing.” (Mt. 13:44-46) Dismas dropped his gaze to his cup.

Barabbas snorted.  “I think you are mad.  Or delusional.  I’ll tell you what: you show me evidence of this kingdom of yours and maybe I’ll consider it.”

Jesus responded with a small smile, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ … but the kingdom of God is real and it is in your midst.” (Lk. 17:20-21)

The tall man shook his head.  “You’re wasting my time.  I believe our conversation is over.”

“Barabbas, you are not the first to seek an earthly kingdom.  And you will not be the last.  As long as this current world stands, people will desperately seek their own ‘kingdom’ on earth.  Everyone’s kingdom is different, but all seek one.  Only those who find my kingdom will find deliverance.”  Jesus paused again, then leaned closer to the three and said softly, “Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and so many other things will be given to you as well.” (Mt. 6:33)

“Be gone, teacher.  I have no interest in your impractical teachings,” the leader replied, waving his hand dismissively. 

Jesus took another sip of wine.  He looked around the table sadly.  “Truly I tell you, what you have planned will not go well.”  Barabbas’ eyes narrowed.  Jesus continued, undeterred.  “But you won’t listen to me.  And your path is necessary.”

The Savior stood.  “Thank you for the wine.  It was refreshing.”  Once more he focused on Dismas, and said lovingly, “Remember me when you come to the end of your kingdom.”  Jesus turned and led his disciples out of “The Wandering Sheep.”

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An unexpected and unnatural darkness hung over the execution hill at midday.  It had everyone spooked – Jews and Gentiles, the common people and the religious leaders, civilians and soldiers.  The natural order of things was disrupted; some actually wondered if the end of the world was imminent.  A few were convinced it was.

For the three condemned men hanging horribly and excruciatingly on the crosses, it didn’t much matter.  The end of their worlds was imminent.  (Or at least it was for two of the three.)  People nailed to Roman crosses didn’t get off them alive.

Dismas, Gestas and Jesus were together again.  Two of them didn’t want to be there; they no longer had purpose or hope.  But the one in the center – Jesus – still held both. 

Initially in their pain, frustration and hopelessness, the two rebels both lashed out at Jesus.  “You claimed to have a better kingdom coming!  Well look where it got you!” And, “You warned Barabbas that things wouldn’t go well for him … and here you hang on the very cross intended for him … while he runs free again!” (Mt. 27:44)

Jesus said nothing in reply.

Gradually however, Dismas grew quiet.  The conversation in “The Wandering Sheep” replayed in his mind.  First, some of Jesus’ initial words to Barabbas: “We preach a different salvation.  Yours is empty; mine is full – though it will seem for a time to be just the opposite.”

Also, as the Roman soldier drove the nails through Jesus’ body – even in the midst of his own searing pain, Dismas had heard Jesus shout out in a hoarse and agonized voice, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Lk. 23:34) 

Who says such a thing?  Who shows love and concern (and prays for!) someone as they torture him?  Gestas had demonstrated a much more likely reaction – he had cursed the soldiers with a bitter hatred!  They had laughed at him and spit in his face.

And this eerie, hellish darkness.  It wasn’t a coincidence.  It was creation itself protesting at some great injustice.  It was the Lord putting the world on notice that something wasn’t right.  Or perhaps that this was precisely right?

As he pushed himself back up the spine of the cross to purchase another precious breath, Dismas’ mind wandered back to Jesus’ words.  “I am seeking to establish a kingdom in heaven.  A kingdom of freedom and peace for souls.  An end to the penalty of sin with God; deliverance from a spiritual bondage to demons.  A kingdom of eternal glory.  It will be in my kingdom that true and lasting joy will be found.”

Jesus had seemed so certain; so confident as he spoke those words.  Even now, his torn body was dying, but there was no despair in him.  Was he indeed the King of the Jews?  Was he the Promised One, the Messiah?  Was this exactly what he needed to do to accomplish all that he said his kingdom would encompass? 

Maybe it was?  If so, then everything made sense!

Passers-by were ridiculing Jesus mercilessly.  “Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”  In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself!  He’s the king of Israel!  Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.  He trusts in God.  Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” (Mt. 27:39-43)

Rather than fueling Dismas’ disdain of Jesus, their taunts only seemed to remind and reaffirm his conclusions about Jesus.  Jesus wasn’t helpless.  He was in complete control; he was operating exactly according to his plan.  This was the path he had to take to establish God’s kingdom!

Meanwhile, Gestas’ abuse continued unabated.  “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

Dismas couldn’t bear it anymore.  The words arose unexpectedly from within him.  He gasped them out in halting fashion as his strength and breath allowed: “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.  But this man has done nothing wrong.” (Lk. 23:39-41)

Tears ran down Dismas’ cheeks.  How foolish he had been!  How sinful!  And how empty that kingdom he had chased now seemed. 

Jesus final words from their earlier conversation played once more in his thoughts, as they had so many times since they were spoken so lovingly … and, it seemed, directly to him!   “Remember me when you come to the end of your kingdom.” 

A sob broke from Dismas’ heart.  Here he was, very definitely at the end of his kingdom.  Again, his next words came unbidden.  “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Lk. 23:42)

Jesus actually turned his head and smiled at Dismas.  In the midst of his agony, Jesus smiled!  Looking deep into his eyes, Jesus said with hoarse voice through parched lips, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Lk. 23:43)

Dismas’ tears flowed freely now, but joyfully.  And he smiled too.  He had finally found his kingdom. 

Just a few hours later, he experienced that kingdom in all its magnificence.

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A few words of explanation:

In my research, I was stunned to learn that in some ancient manuscripts of Matthew’s Gospel, Barabbas is referred to as “Jesus Barabbas.”  They are “variants,” of course.  But the inclusion of Jesus to Barabbas’ name would seem to argue that it was known by early scribes that Jesus, (a common name at the time and derived from Joshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation”), was indeed a part of Barabbas’ name.  Certainly, some modern scholars argue that “the counter-intuitive similarity of the two men’s names is evidence of its historicity.”  It would be just like the Lord to intentionally and dramatically contrast Jesus Barabbas and Jesus, the Son of God.  However, since the canonical Bible does not definitively state Barabbas was also a Jesus, I will definitely not insist that he was.  But he might indeed have been.  And the contrast of the kingdoms the two Jesuses sought was too compelling to not borrow the possibility.

As for the other two insurrectionists, early Christian tradition (as well as the apocryphal book of Nicodemus), give them the names of Gestas and Dismas.  Of course, we can’t know, since the Scriptures don’t tell us.  However, it was helpful for the telling of this story to have names for the two men, so I decided to use the names tradition attributes to them.

As for the specific reasons why “Gestas” and “Dismas” were crucified, both Matthew and Mark refer to them as “rebels”(Mt. 27:38, 44 & Mk. 15:27).  Presumably, rebels against Rome.  Which makes perfect sense; men who were crucified by Rome were considered “enemies of the state.”  Of course, we know that Barabbas was an insurrectionist and murderer (Lk. 23:19, 25) – crimes definitely meriting crucifixion in the Roman world.  I have always speculated that the two criminals crucified with Jesus were actually tied to Barabbas, and that Jesus’ cross was indeed intended for Barabbas.  A passage in Mark is intriguing in this regard.  It states, “A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising.” (Mark 15:7).  (“Gestas” & “Dismas?”)  But please note that this premise that the two were part of Barabbas’ plot is merely speculation on my part.  We can’t know.  However, it is at least logical, and perhaps even likely.  And it made for what I felt was a fascinating story.

Both Matthew and Mark record the fact that the two rebels crucified with Jesus also mocked him.  In both accounts this is listed after the insulting words of the spiritual leaders of the day.  This doesn’t mean that those events were necessarily sequential; just that Jesus’ mockers were many … initially including even the two criminals crucified with Jesus.  Based on Luke’s words, however, it’s clear that while the ridicule by the spiritual leaders and the one criminal continued, the other criminal had a change of heart.

We obviously have no record of Jesus meeting with the insurrectionists.  Although it should be noted that it was not unusual for Jesus to specially seek out individuals he knew he needed to converse with.  In fact, we see it throughout the Gospels.  (Zacchaeus in Luke 19, the Samaritan woman in John 4, and a crippled man in John 5, to name just a few.)  In fact, it could be argued that every individual Jesus ministered to was sought out by him.  With the multiple examples provided, we can safely assume that this happened many other times as well that were not recorded.  Therefore, my premise in this story is not too extreme.  “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).  Please note that I am not arguing that Jesus did meet with these men in advance of their crucifixions.  Only that he could have.

Another assumption I am making is that even if Jesus did not speak with Dismas, the rebel did have some prior knowledge of Jesus, his teachings, and the “rumors” about Jesus.  By the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, he was one of the most famous individuals in the land.  Even Jesus’ enemies below the cross taunted him with the truths that Jesus had expressed about himself.  Perhaps Dismas had even heard Jesus preach somewhere along the line?  Therefore, I am assuming there was at least a seed or two that the Holy Spirit had sown in the criminal prior to this fateful day that fueled his repentance.  Or maybe not?  Perhaps it all happened in those dark, dreadful and momentous hours as death approached?  It’s a question we can ask Dismas (or whatever his name was) when we reach Paradise ourselves one day.

Finally, I encourage every reader to … “seek first [Jesus’] kingdom and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:33).  It will always be the best kingdom … for always.

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Singing AT the Throne

Singing AT the Throne

“What are we gonna do in heaven?” people wonder.  Then perhaps they add, “Just standing around God’s throne and singing forever sounds kinda boring!”

Maybe you’ve heard similar comments?  Maybe you’ve even secretly thought them?

I was privileged to attend the winter conference for the area pastors and teachers in our church body earlier this week.  Chatting with spiritual brothers and sisters is always enjoyable, and there are always some beneficial presentations.  But the very best thing about conferences, at least as far as I am concerned, is the singing.

 Of course, our conferences always begin with a worship service, and the days are interspersed with multiple chapels.  And we sing in each one of them!  Gives me goosebumps and lifts my soul every time.

Lutheran pastors and teachers … SING!

Put 125 of us in a church sanctuary, and we’ll lift the rafters!  Often in 4-part harmony.  Double that number, and people can hear us in the parking lot and across the street.  Maybe even downtown and upstate.

The pastors and teachers don’t sing so loudly simply for show.  They just do it naturally and confidently.  It’s a trait that is born from years of singing in choirs, church services and chapels throughout their school years …  elementary school, high school, college and the seminary.

Unless you’ve been able to sit in on a service filled with hundreds of Lutheran pastors and teachers (or future pastors and teachers), it’s probably difficult to comprehend.  But maybe you’ve been at a Christian concert when 20,000 people join in on a familiar song?  Pretty incredible, isn’t it?

All of which makes me wonder: what will the songs in heaven sound like?

If singing together on this flawed earth can move us so profoundly, try to imagine the singing in salvation.  All the believers of all time joined with all the angels in existence – both numbers being countless except to God! – joining their holy voices together in praise of the Lord.

Every voice flawless.  Every pitch perfect.  Every note at full volume.  Everyone singing in unison.

Can you even begin to imagine what it might be like?  How many harmonies will be incorporated?  How overwhelming we will find it? 

And can you doubt how satisfying, joyful, uplifting and glorious the songs will be?

The Apostle John gives us an insight:

“Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him [all] who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.  And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.  And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except [those] who had been redeemed from the earth.” (Revelation 14:1-3)

The heavenly singing will be a “new song” … one only the “redeemed from the earth” can learn and sing.  A song of incredible beauty, absolute awe, intense thankfulness, and unending praise to the one who purchased their salvation.  A song of love for the Lamb.

I like to think of it this way:

Here on earth in our worship of our God, we sing because of the throne.  Because of the One who sits on the throne … our Savior, Redeemer and Lord.  Because of all that he accomplished for us.  Because of the love and forgiveness from God we have now.  But perhaps especially because of the heavenly salvation we WILL experience one day as a direct result of his shed blood. 

But when we finally get there, our worship changes.  We will sing around the throne and at the throne.  Or rather, at our Savior sitting on the throne.  And we will sing because of the salvation we ARE experiencing and WILL continue experiencing throughout eternity.

In that unending moment, David’s words become our never-ending reality: “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.  Lord my God, I will praise you forever” (Psalm 30:11-12).

We can’t possibly comprehend heaven and any of its wonders now.  I expect our everlasting reward will encompass much more than song. 

But if it does entail “just standing around the throne and singing,” I assure you it won’t be boring.  Rather, we’ll be more than content to join the chorus.  Compelled by thankfulness actually, overwhelmed with joy, and therefore tireless in our praise!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Addendums below:  Psalm 89 verses & Garrison Keillor’s “Singing with the Lutherans”

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Psalm 89 (selected verses)
1 I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

5 The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. 6 For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? 7 In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him.

8 Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. ,,, 13 Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.

15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. 16 They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. 17 For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. 18 Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.

52 Praise be to the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.

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SINGING WITH THE LUTHERANS by Garrison Keillor

I have made fun of Lutherans for years – who wouldn’t if you lived in Minnesota? But I have also sung with Lutherans and that is one of the main joys of life, along with hot baths and fresh sweet corn.

We make fun of Lutherans for their blandness, their excessive calm, their fear of giving offense, their lack of speed and also for their secret fondness for macaroni and cheese. But nobody sings like them. If you ask an audience in New York City, a relatively Lutheranless place, to sing along on the chorus of Michael Row the Boat Ashore, they will look daggers at you as if you had asked them to strip to their underwear. But if you do this among Lutherans they’ll smile and row that boat ashore and up on the beach! And down the road!

Lutherans are bred from childhood to sing in four-part harmony. It’s a talent that comes from sitting on the lap of someone singing alto or tenor or bass and hearing the harmonic intervals by putting your little head against that person¹s rib cage. It’s natural for Lutherans to sing in harmony. We’re too modest to be soloists, too worldly to sing in unison. When you’re singing in the key of C and you slide into the A7th and D7th chords, all two hundred of you, it’s an emotionally fulfilling moment.

I once sang the bass line of “Children of the Heavenly Father” in a room with about three thousand Lutherans in it; and when we finished, we all had tears in our eyes, partly from the promise that God will not forsake us, partly from the proximity of all those lovely voices. By our joining in harmony, we somehow promise that we will not forsake each other. I do believe this: People, these Lutherans, who love to sing in four-part harmony are the sort of people you could call up when you’re in deep distress. If you’re dying, they’ll comfort you. If you’re lonely, they’ll talk to you. And if you’re hungry, they’ll give you tuna salad!

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The Incomprehensible Transition

The Incomprehensible Transition

The golden goal … the certain hope … the lift in life when circumstances seem to keep dragging us down and our spirits are flagging … the profound promise that we hold before our spiritual eyes and the eyes of fellow Christians … is our heavenly home. 

The concept entails so very much.

Finally finding ourselves before our loving Lord.  Leaving behind our sinfulness, imperfections and frustrations once and for all.  Glorified bodies and souls.  Perfect happiness forever and ever.  Salvation. 

These wonders comfort, uplift, and motivate us as broken people in a broken world.  The hardships here are all temporary; the blessings of heaven are eternal.

Heaven is almost taken for granted.  And it should be!  It’s a fundamental biblical truth given to us from God to comfort, uplift and motivate us.  To provide hope when circumstances can seem rather hopeless.

But here’s perhaps the thing we lose sight of.  Before his birth on earth, Jesus was already there! 

And not just as a guest to heaven, but as the Lord of lords and King of kings!  The holy, almighty, all-knowing, eternal God … the very Creator of heaven itself … the incomprehensible One worshipped and adored by the angels … the Supreme Deity who answers to no one and rules over everyone and everything … makes heaven his throne room.

God’s essence is heaven’s centerpiece; his “everything” is everything in heaven.  His holiness fills its halls and lights its farthest reaches.

And frankly, it would be ludicrous for you and me to expect to enter that place. 

But then Christmas happened.  The inconceivable God did an inconceivable thing; he exited that glorious place and entered this inglorious place called earth.  And he did it for an even more inconceivable reason – to be ridiculed, rejected, tortured and killed as our Substitute.

Who in his right mind would do such a thing? 

Only Jesus, the Son of God.  And he did it for the rightest of reasons – to make it possible for us to transition one day from here to there.  So you and I could be forgiven and finally be right with God.  So you and I could enter that incredible place when we leave this impossibly difficult one.  So we could be with Him!

The Scriptures describe this truth – this incomprehensible transition – beautifully:

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).  “For the wages of sin is death, [both physical and eternal], but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

This transition is doubly incomprehensible. 

First, Jesus’ journey to earth and the purpose for it is incomprehensible.  It only makes sense in light of God’s boundless and unfathomable love – a love he holds for us.

Secondly, our journey to heaven one day is equally incomprehensible.  It also only makes sense in light of God’s boundless love for us, coupled with Jesus’ astounding sacrifice for us. 

The God of heaven left heaven to come to earth.  And he did it specifically so that all who know him and love him could leave earth and enter heaven. 

Incomprehensible transitions indeed! 

How awesome is our God!  And how incredible is Christmas!  It’s where God makes the incomprehensible visible and plain.  Just look at the Baby in the manger.

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Philippians 2:6-11
Christ Jesus … being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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Origin: Hell — Destination: Paradise

Origin: Hell — Destination: Paradise

A few weeks ago, my wife and I were able to unexpectedly break away for a mini-vacation.  We only had a few days, so our options were limited.  We decided to head north and visit/revisit some popular locations in Northern Michigan.

While attempting to pull out of a convenience store north of the five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge, we were forced to wait significantly longer than anticipated.  We had the unfortunate timing of attempting to resume our journey while a convoy of over 400 motorcycles rolled past us.  (Over 400!) 

Consider that number for a moment, and the amount of time it would take for them all to pass by on a two-lane highway.  And that didn’t include their multiple support vehicles which chugged along behind them with four-way flashers on.  I was told by a gas station clerk further up the way that the actual number was about 440 bikes.

She also filled me in on why they were there.  It was a ride organized by the “American Legion Riders” to promote veteran PTSD awareness among the general public.

The primary organizer was Scott Igo, who is the Director of the American Legion Riders at Post 3 in Sault Ste. Marie.  Scott is a navy veteran himself, having served for five years on board the Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln from 1993 to 1998.  He also deals with post-traumatic stress himself.

A number of other organizations, companies and individuals recognized it as a worthy cause to support and added their resources to facilitate the event.

The riders’ route?  From Hell to Paradise.

And yes, there is indeed an official community in Michigan named “Hell.”  There is also a Paradise, Michigan.  (In case you’re curious, neither place quite lives up to its name.) 

The reasoning for the origin and terminus?  Scott Igo explains: “When a person is battling PTSD you feel as if you are in your own personal hell.  Each individual that is fighting is looking for that place they feel safe.  A paradise of sort.”

The unincorporated community of Hell is located about 15 miles northwest of Ann Arbor in the “Lower Peninsula” of the state.  There are multiple suggestions on how the place came by its startling name in 1841, but no one knows for certain.  Paradise is also an unincorporated community on the northeastern portion of Michigan’s “Upper Peninsula,” situated on the western side of Lake Superior’s Whitefish Bay.

342 miles separate the two communities.  Well over 400 bikers made the trip, beginning in Hell and arriving eventually at Paradise.

If only it were that easy!  Jump on a bike, point it north, rev it up and ride out of hell and into salvation.

And yet, because of the sacrifice of Jesus and through the work of the Holy Spirit, it is!

What does the Lord tell us in the Scriptures?  “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned …” (John 3:16-18a).

Jesus himself said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24). 

That’s the route from damnation to salvation; from hell to heaven; from doom to a reservation in a room in God’s home – hear God’s truth and believe God’s truth that Jesus, the Son of God, has saved you.  When the Lord brings this about, a person’s spiritual itinerary has been rerouted!  Hell is in the rear-view mirror and Paradise fills the view!

Both Hells are real places.  The eternal hell is indescribably worse than the earthly one.  Both Paradises are real too.  The forever one is unimaginably better than Upper Peninsula one. 

Thanks to the 400-plus bikers who made that journey for PTSD awareness a few weeks ago.  But greater thanks to the gracious God who put us on the spiritual route from hell to paradise.  The spiritual ride is often temporarily rough, but the destination is forever wonderful and worth it! 

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Goodbye to Goodbyes

Goodbye to Goodbyes

This post is somewhat of a biyearly tradition.  I shared it four years ago and then again two years ago … both times after visiting family in Michigan. Almost exactly two years later, I am posting it again. 

Things are somewhat different this time around as my wife and I now actually live in Michigan ourselves.  All of our children and grandchildren (and almost every one of our children’s spouses), gathered in our new home in our new (old!) state this week.  It was the first time in years we were all together. 

The last of them just left.  Which means we said a lot of painful goodbyes yet again, so it seems appropriate to share these thoughts yet again.   As always, I pray they bring some insight and encouragement to you.

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I hate goodbyes.  But then almost everyone does, don’t they?  Goodbyes to loved ones are rarely “good byes.”  In those situations, the word is the ultimate oxymoron.

This is a fresh and sensitive topic with me.  Recently I found myself saying goodbye to all of our immediate family members. 

They arrived at different times and left at different times … providing a 2-day window when we were all together. (Because of various circumstances, these precious visits occur only very occasionally for our family.)

Naturally, this initially led to multiple and heartfelt hellos.  Every new arrival brought joyful greetings of one kind or another; warm hellos springing from the shared bond of faith and family.  Vibrant hellos and hugs that reflect blood ties and past experiences, and which anticipate the wonderful things that the coming moments together will bring.

I love hellos.  Especially hellos to those people embedded deep in my heart.  But every hello in this world ultimately leads to a goodbye, doesn’t it?

Of course, there are a multitude of things to which we sooner or later bid adieu.  Houses, cars, places, experiences, jobs, schools … even previous health and appearance … can all merit “farewells” as we meander on through life.  And then there are those gut-wrenching goodbyes to our pets.  Make no mistake, some of these goodbyes can foster high emotion. 

But the worst goodbyes of all are the goodbyes to people we love. 

Why are goodbyes to loved ones so difficult?  Well, we thoroughly enjoy our time together.  Consequently, goodbye means a pause in those joyful moments, and often bounces us back to the reality of our other responsibilities and less enjoyable activities. 

However, that’s not the fundamental reason we hate goodbyes.  The real reason is very simple; we abhor goodbyes because we don’t know if we will be together again in this world.  The uncertainties of our earthly existence are ever-present in our awareness, and we all recognize that sooner or later there won’t be another hello. 

This inescapable fact rocks us.  It makes farewells to loved ones we rarely see agonizing.  But it even lurks in our consciousness with our day-to-day goodbyes … as much as we try not to think about it.  One can’t live a few years in this uncertain world without recognizing the uncertainty inherent in goodbyes.

My purpose in writing about goodbyes is not to bring anyone down.  Rather I want to underscore a few key points that I have fallen back on as I negotiate painful farewells.

Here’s the first one:  The fact that a person has agonizing goodbyes means that God has blessed them richly with dearly-loved family and friends.  Every close relationship in our life is a precious gift.  Each difficult goodbye we must endure simply emphasizes how profoundly blessed by God we are.

The second significant aspect of painful earthly goodbyes is that they encourage us to eagerly anticipate the day when there will never be any more goodbyes, but only hellos forever and ever.  This is such a foreign concept to us earthlings that we can barely consider it or comprehend it. 

But the day when God ushers us into heaven marks the end of experiencing goodbyes and the beginning of an eternity of hearing only hellos!  “Hello” to the Lord himself and Jesus our Savior.  “Hello” to the multitude of angels.  “Hello” to the great men and women of faith from the Bible and history.  “Hello” to our ancestors who lived and died in Jesus.  “Hello” to our family and friends who preceded us to heaven.  And “hello” to every family member and friend who follow us there!  Never again will we say “goodbye.”  Only “hello” over and over again forever and ever.

The Apostle John was given a glimpse of this wonderful heavenly home where goodbyes are gone and hellos predominate.

“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 [or goodbyes], 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 21:3-5) 

A goodbye to goodbyes.  Now that really will be a “good bye!”

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Home?

Home?

It was five of the strangest days I’ve ever experienced. 

I knew where I was technically (Tacoma, Washington), but was constantly confused about my location (Washington or Michigan?).  I knew the area extremely well, but found myself repeatedly feeling out of place.  It seemed like I was where I was supposed to be, but it also seemed like I didn’t belong.  I was at home with my surroundings, recognizing everything, but I wasn’t home at all.

If that all sounds confusing, I understand!  It was profoundly confusing and uncomfortable to me as I lived it.  

The week after Easter, my wife and I flew back to Washington state to tie up some loose ends, to spend time with our family members still living there, and to check in with a few friends.  It was a delightful few days … except for those out-of-place feelings I tried to describe earlier.  (Perhaps you’ve experienced a similar feeling after having your own place for a while, and then returning to your parents’ house to visit.)

I’m sure traveling thousands of miles in post-Easter exhaustion, (typical for a pastor following Holy Week), didn’t help the situation.  But I’m convinced I would have felt the same even if less tired.

We resided in Tacoma for 33 years – 30 of those years in the same house.  So, of course, I felt “at home” there.  Not much need for a GPS; I’d driven those streets countless times over the past three decades. 

But it wasn’t home.  Not anymore.  I’ve been negotiating the streets and roads in mid-Michigan for almost a year now.  So while I’m intimately familiar with the Tacoma streets, they weren’t my streets anymore.  They felt comfortable, and at the same time strange.

Of course, we drove by our former house.  I didn’t know how I’d feel about that.  It was certainly weird and disconcerting, but I found myself mentally and emotionally detached at the sight.  We cruised by our former church as well.  Same result. 

Both places hold wonderful memories; both will always be entrenched in my heart.  I dedicated over half my life to both, so both will always be a significant part of me.  But neither is my place anymore; they’re no longer where I belong.

Do I still love the people at my former congregation, care about them and pray for them?  Of course!  I always will!  But I’m not their shepherd anymore.  I have a new pasture to occupy and a new set of “sheep” to tend, and I love them just as dearly.  I know being with them is where I am supposed to be … for the time being. 

And while our new house in Michigan is our new home, and although I feel very at home in the congregations I am now serving and the area I now live … these are not my forever home. 

I’ve always realized this.  But temporarily leaving our new home for our old home and not feeling at home there at all, but rather being confused at where I was and where I should be, really drove this point home to me.

I don’t truly belong anywhere in this world.  Rather, my home is in heaven.

Yours is too!

Are we tempted to get caught up in our current situations and think of them as “home?”  All the time!  But our current residence is not our forever home.  The Lord has a different home … a better one … waiting for us!

The wise Christian recognizes this truth.  And the wise Christian who does, finds himself or herself more content and at peace … even while realizing they aren’t really settled into their real home yet.

The writer to the Hebrews describes this very thing in his chapter on faith.  In the midst of listing many of the men and women of faith and what they did in faith and endured through faith, he makes this aside:

“All these people were still living by faith when they died.  They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.  People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.  If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.  Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:13-16).

Home?  For me, it’s not Tacoma.  Nor is it Clare.  It’s not our previous house nor our current one.  It’s a home my loving Savior has prepared for me after supplying his all-sufficient sacrifice for me on earth and returning again to heaven in absolute victory. 

And I know when I get to that eternal salvation, I’ll finally feel fully at home.  And I’ll finally be where I belong.

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2 Corinthians 4:18
So 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.

Revelation 7:13-17
“These in white robes … are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.

‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.  The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat.  For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’  ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” 

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The Best Is Yet to Come

The Best Is Yet to Come

December 21st is always highlighted on my calendars.  The Winter Solstice is extremely important to me.  No, not because it’s exactly a month before my birthday.  Rather, it marks the end of the shrinking amount of daylight and ushers in the beginning of the “days” growing longer. 

I celebrate the Solstice every year!  Not with some radical or unusual activity, but with a moment (or a number of moments!) of joyful reflection.  We are finally trending toward Spring!

I actually enjoy aspects of each of the four seasons.  There are unique activities to engage in and events to enjoy regardless of which page on the calendar is currently displayed. 

But of the four seasons, Winter is my least favorite.  This was true when we lived in soggy and seemingly sunless Western Washington at this time of year; it is still true now that we live in snowy and icy Michigan.

December 21st is a marker of change; a turning of a corner; a day of hope; a reminder that more desirable seasons (at least to me) are on the way!

Which got me thinking.  There are a LOT of similar situations in life – times when we endure less pleasant prelims with our eyes on the better things that are yet to come.  So much of our current existence consists of getting through the “less pleasant” so we can enjoy the more pleasant.

Here are a few examples that came to my mind:

I well remember the grueling, gritty task of baling hay … and the fantastic feast the farmer’s wife laid out which followed.  Similarly, I recall being sweaty and filthy from working in the fields for summer jobs … and the refreshing jump into the Sebewaing River off the local railroad bridge to cool off and clean up.

Other examples would be mowing the lawn or weeding the garden or flower beds … and the pleasure of looking on the manicured result.  Similar interior tasks might be vacuuming the carpets, sweeping the floors, dusting the furniture, washing the dishes, or doing the laundry … and the satisfaction that follows.

A more extreme situation might be cleaning the toilet bowls … and the fresh smell and nicer appearance afterwards.

Even edibles can offer some cons before the pros that follow.  I find peeling potatoes a pain … but I thoroughly enjoy tators with my meat.  Or how about the typically monumental pre-holiday meal prep … which culminates in the magnificence of tables covered with delicious food surrounded by loved ones?

Cleaning fish isn’t pleasant … but a fish fry of fillets is scrumptious!  Eviscerating a newly harvested deer is messy, and deboning and processing the meat time-consuming … but the steaks and sausage that end up in the freezer make for many enjoyable moments the rest of the year.

Also, I’ve never particularly enjoyed waking up early in the morning and walking into a forest or woods in the dark.  However, being there as the woods “wakes up” is priceless.  Not to mention the anticipation of what might happen shortly.

It’s even that way before vacations.  I know I’m not alone when I say it’s almost too much work to go away.  This is often true about most extended trips, but especially when preparing for a camping, fishing or hunting trip where extra gear is involved.  But then one catches their breath and experiences the joy and blessings of being gone!

This preliminary unpleasantness followed by satisfaction creeps into many (maybe most or even all?) life events.  Christmas decorating, shopping, and wrapping all happen before the celebrating.  Many hard years of education lead, finally, to graduation; much planning and preparation precedes the wedding; and a tremendous amount of time, work and stress are involved in moving … until finally getting settled.

Of course, I would be remiss not to mention nine months of uncomfortable pregnancy – and painful labor and delivery! – that the wonderful women in our lives endure before holding a newborn baby in their arms.

So much of life involves difficulties leading to blessings.  It could even be said that life itself is a challenging preliminary to what follows! 

Certainly God fills our lives with astounding blessings and allows us to enjoy incredible experiences.  Yet, sin is always with us, and our sinful lives lived in a sin-wrecked world carries a good share of hardships and heartaches. 

The Apostle Paul addresses this very thing, and suggests a very specific mindset about it.  “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So 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” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Simply stated: Life is hard!  So lift your eyes off your temporary troubles and focus instead on your eternal home in heaven where there are none!

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him ” (1 Cor. 2:9) – THESE are the inconceivably wonderful blessings our Savior has waiting for us in his salvation.  We are comforted and encouraged when we concentrate on them while struggling in the here-and-now.

Even if perhaps someone dismisses the concept that life in this world is a struggle, I would think they would have to agree that the very end of life certainly is.  Death is no picnic.

But even there, the undesirable leads to the most desirable thing!  For believers in Jesus’ atoning suffering and death, and his victorious resurrection … death is but the doorway to life.  True life. A perfectly joyous, pure and unending life with Jesus – the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life!

Yes, the best is yet to come!  As the name of this blog infers, by God’s grace we are “Heading to Heaven!”  And that indeed is the very best conclusion of all, making everything else easier.

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Did some different examples of unpleasant prelims leading to pleasant results occur to you while reading this post?  If so, please share them in the comments section below!  I’d love to read them.

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Revelation 7:14-17
And [the angel] said [to John], “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

Revelation 21:3-7
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.”  He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. 

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Remembering the Future

Remembering the Future

There’s nothing like unpacking one’s possessions after a move to lead a person down “memory lane.”  Actually, it’s not really a lane.  Better to call it a “remembrance freeway.”  The frequency and the intensity of the recollections surround and overwhelm!

There are those special things that were connected to loved ones now in heaven.  Like the army sharpshooter medal from my uncle and sponsor. The pocketknife from my grandfather.  The theological books from my dear uncle … some of which originally belonged to another grandfather (both of whom were former ministers).

Of course, the many different gifts through the years from loved ones also get noticed.  And especially if there was a personal note attached!

Activity items – sports equipment, outdoor gear, camping miscellaneous, old toys – each bring back an explosion of memories. 

“Knick knacks” do too!  And the many long-unseen pictures!  And the trophies, plaques and acknowledgements that have come your way through the years.

Even furniture can activate the memory banks.  Even some basic every-day items you regard as insignificant sometimes put you back on the “remembrance freeway.”

You get the idea.  Our memories are fertile soil for meaningful memory seeds that burst to life when brought into the light. 

Certainly there are those items about which you wonder, “Where did that come from?”  But I found that to be the exception to the rule.  With almost everything, even if I hadn’t seen it for decades, there was immediate recollection and poignant emotion.  Not necessarily sadness.  Not automatically joy.  Just … emotion.  A re-living of ties to significant people that crossed your life-path, and significant events that occurred along the way.

Those powerful memories always take us back.  Back to the past.  Back to the hard times … and the good times.  Back to once-in-a-lifetime situations.  Back to wonderful repetitious adventures.  Back to people whose impact still impacts us. 

Memories turn our gaze behind us at what was. 

And this is not a bad thing!  Quite the contrary.  It’s a wonderful blessing to hold this patchwork panorama of priceless experiences in our consciousness, ready to be recalled instantly (and often unexpectedly!).  God uses our experiences to mold us into the people we currently are, teaching us lessons and providing us with perspectives He wants us to have.

Recognizing how memories work, and being stuck on the “remembrance freeway” for quite some time now, it occurred to me that while memories typically dwell on the past, they don’t always have to. 

What a blessing to remember our future.

This is also emotional and impactful.  But instead of remembering how it was, we rejoice in how it will be.  It’s a future so different than our past or present; so different from anything we have ever experienced. 

This is exactly why the Lord reveals in his Holy Scriptures what awaits his followers.  God wants us to remember our glorious future as we slog our way through a challenging world and an often challenging life.  It’s a future made possible through Jesus, our Savior, and it really will be wonderful. 

The Lord provided the Apostle John with a personal view of the believers in heaven; John in turn shared the description he was given with us:

“These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat.  For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes’” (Revelation 7:14-17).

This is the future “God has prepared for those who love him.”  A future that “no eye (besides John’s) has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived!” (1 Cor. 2:9).  It’s a future so wonderful we can’t begin to comprehend it here on earth. 

Now isn’t that a future worth remembering?

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The Ultimate Trophy

The Ultimate Trophy

As I write this, the world is gearing up for Super Bowl LVII (57) in Arizona.  While it’s not the most watched sporting event in the world – events such as the Olympics and the world soccer championship which include athletes from many countries understandably rank higher – the Super Bowl IS the most watched American sports championship. 

And it isn’t even close!  45 percent of U.S. households will tune in.  Well over 100 million viewers worldwide are following the action. (Or at least the commercials!)  No other American sporting playoffs draw even 20 million viewers.

An interesting sidenote regarding Super Bowl Sunday: it is the second-highest food consumption date for Americans!  The only day of the year when more food is eaten is on Thanksgiving.

Of course, the immensity of the attraction makes the event a high-money one.  According to Fox, which is airing the game, this year’s Super Bowl commercials cost as much as 7 million dollars for a 30-second spot.  Tickets to the game started at $6,000.  (Astounding when one considers that tickets to the first Super Bowl in 1967 cost only $12, and some tickets went unsold!)

Those players fortunate enough to play in the game benefit monetarily as well.  The ones on the winning team will receive $83,000 each, as well as a unique Super Bowl ring worth between $30,000 – $50,000.  But the losers aren’t left out; they’ll still earn a cool $42,000.

Naturally there can’t be a championship game without a championship trophy.  The Super Bowl version is named the Vince Lombardi Trophy.  It’s made by the New York jewelry giant, Tiffany & Company.  The award is constructed of sterling silver and valued at more than $10,000.  However, should a winning team put the trophy up for auction, the purchasing bid would undoubtedly be exorbitant. 

For some … perhaps even many … the Lombardi Trophy is the ultimate trophy on earth.  For others, they might prize the NBA, NHL, or MLB trophies greater.  Though it’s hard to argue that the FIFA Soccer World Cup isn’t the most valuable one of all.  Made of 18-carat gold, it’s worth is estimated to be 20 million dollars.

As monetarily valuable and as sentimentally treasured as these trophies might be, in the end they are nothing.  Because in the end, everyone dies, and their earthly trophies never make the journey with them.  And in the Final End …  the Last Day when the Lord Jesus returns … all earthly awards will be dissolved when the whole earth is made new.  (Is. 65:17, 2 Peter 3:10-13).

Which is why the Scriptures repeatedly encourage us to focus on spiritual victories.  On heavenly glories.  On eternal awards.  On honors that the Lord bestows, and not people.  These are the ultimate trophies!

It is so challenging for humans to see past the physical and focus on and treasure the spiritual.  Our five senses seem much more present and pressing than our silent souls.  Our bodies aggressively demand attention but are temporary; our souls quietly reside out of sight but will exist forever.  Where they eternally exist will depend on God’s grace, of course, and on the attention we give them in this life.  Food for the body is rarely neglected; food for the soul (God’s Word!) often is but never should be!

The Apostle Paul’s inspired words fit well in this discussion.  He used physical competition to picture spiritual striving, and contrasts earthly awards with the heavenly one. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

Jesus summarized this same truth in his message to the Church in Smyrna in Revelation: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). 

The writer to the Hebrews shows us how this is done.  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

One of the football teams will hoist the coveted Lombardi Trophy into the air this Sunday.  Good for them and for their fans.  I’ll certainly be watching.  But God grant that our focus will always be on receiving the ultimate trophy of God’s crown of life.  It’s the only trophy that really matters.

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(Matthew 6:19-20)  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

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An Unfathomable Existence

An Unfathomable Existence

My dear cousin, Paul, recently took a trip.  It’s a trip he had been anticipating his entire life.  His destination was exquisite; his preparation complete.  Nevertheless, he wasn’t expecting to depart quite so soon.

But when his angel escort arrived, he was on his way.  His Lord in his perfect and loving wisdom had determined it was time, and was waiting to welcome him home to heaven.

I’ve spent a fair bit of time reflecting on his departure … and his arrival … since Paul embarked on life’s most significant journey.  I miss him tremendously, but I truly rejoice for him. 

It’s the ultimate bitter-sweet.  My great loss; his great gain.   How can I not be happy for him?  How can I not be devastated myself?

This is also the ultimate conundrum.  So often, we sinful mortals cling desperately to a sin-impacted world with all its struggles instead of longing for the perfect place Jesus has prepared for us. 

I believe the reason is simple: we understand this earthly existence with all its issues.  Consequently, we are relatively comfortable here, even with the hardships we endure here (and know we will have to endure).  Conversely, we understand precious little about our eternity of salvation and are much less comfortable with the unknown … even though God promises us it is wonderful.

It’s interesting that much of what the Lord shares with us about heaven is what it is not.  No hunger, thirst, or discomfort of any kind.  No sorrow, pain or death.  No night.  I suspect the reason the Lord describes heaven this way is simply because we can better grasp what heaven isn’t than what it is.  This flawed world is our standard.

Which means eternal salvation is unfathomable.  Not only is it impossible for us to comprehend eternity; we can’t even begin to grasp the wonders there.  Or the God who in love sacrificed so very much, and intervened to such a great degree in our lives, to bring us into heaven’s holy halls!

As I’ve thought about my departed cousin this week, I’ve wondered what he is experiencing.  How wonderfully overwhelming is that place?  What is it like to be continually and fully in the very presence of God?

The Lord tells us in his Word that at death the soul (spirit) of believers transitions immediately to God’s eternal care while the body remains behind (Ecclesiastes 12:7).  When the Lord Jesus returns in the skies at the heavenly trumpet blast on the Last Day, the body will be resurrected and rejoined to the soul (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-57).

So already there is a profound difference for a Christian at death!  An existence without a body.  A newly perfect spirit in a perfect place in the immediate presence of the Triune God in perfect peace and joy!  For ever and ever and ever!

The concept is unfathomable for us who are still entrenched on earth!

In this world we rely on our 5 senses to evaluate information.  How does a holy soul free from the limitations of a sinful body process input?  And what kind of “input” does salvation put out?

Does the soul “see” the brilliant colors of the Lord’s infinite glory?  Does it “hear” the songs of praise to the Savior sung in hundred-part harmony?  Does it join its “voice” in the songs and shouts of acclamation to the Lord?  Does it “feel” the embrace of Jesus?  Does it “taste” the bounties of the victory feast in the throne room of the Lamb?

Certainly yes – somehow! But undoubtedly the soul experiences and participates in salvation’s activities in some incredible and incomprehensible way to us who are still stuck in the entry line.

Again, it’s ALL unfathomable for us now.  Yet it’s wonderful nevertheless!

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— [these are] the things God has prepared for those who love him!” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

I am so happy for you, Paul.  And I look forward to the day when you, along with Jesus, welcome me to that unfathomable but glorious place.

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Philippians 1:21-23
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far …

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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