Thursday, September 5, 2024

I’ve experienced more deaths of loved ones than most people I know. On one hand, it has been a blessing to witness the promises of God in my life, and in the life of others. However, it has also been a curse to witness the actual process of dying. 

I think of it like getting in a pool on a hot summer day. You know it will be refreshing once you get in there, but the initial getting in is cold and uncomfortable. 

I imagine at the end, there will be a moment of standing in front of Jesus, a time of reckoning, when we will be reminded of every sin, pain, heartache, sorrow, embarrassment—everything! Then with a soft touch, Jesus will wipe it all away. 

Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

So, don’t let the process distract you from the destination! Death is a transition into eternal life. In that moment, we are freed to enter heaven … an actual place. One prepared for us! 

John 14:3 NIV
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Heaven is a place so incredible that our human minds can only imagine. There are Bible passages describing streets of gold and trees that give fruit of every kind. We will finally be given the chance to spend time in the presence of God, no longer inhibited by sin. 

It is God’s intent and desire to do life with us: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through him (John 14:6). Will you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God? That he was born, lived, and died? That three days later, he rose and is currently seated at the right hand of God the Father?

He did this for you, and he is waiting for you. He is good. He can be trusted. And he is worthy of your faith. 

Will you be with him? 

Questions: 
Do you know where you will go when you die? Does the thought of dying frighten you?

Next Steps: 
Commit or recommit your life to Christ. Share your story with someone. Be praying for those on your Top 5 Card, and invite them to join you at church this fall. 

Prayer: 
Father, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. Thank you for heaven and the promise that I will be with you there. I long to have all sorrow, pain, and sin wiped away. My heart looks forward to an eternity spent with you in the incredible place prepared just for me. You are a good father, and I put my faith in what Jesus did for me on that cross. Strengthen me to share the news with everyone I can. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 3:14 
For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. 

This post was written by Julie Estep, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.