I am thinking about writing a book. My fear is this: no one will read it. Not withstanding the fact that it may, indeed, not be worth reading. I do not believe the worth of the book's content would be that which would keep my book from being read. No, I think the title I would choose would be the reason no one would read it. In fact, the title I would choose would quite possibly (even probably) keep the book out of print. Are you ready for it? Okay, what do you think - the title of my book would be: "If your best life is now, then eternity is going to be Hell." Yeah, somehow I don't see a room full of people waiting in line for me to sign that one for them.
Now, the title begs the question, what type of person would make such a statment? Is it the person whose life is miserable and totally out of whack? Is it the person who is so frustrated with life that he/she cannot wait for some sort of better experience in the “great beyond?” Well, since the person is me, let me tell you what kind of life I have. I am humbled by the immense and abundant grace of God on a daily basis for the amazing and wonderful life He has given me! If I were to go be with Him today, I could say with exclamation, “Thank you, Lord, for the grace you showed me while on earth.” I have an absolutely wonderful and amazing marriage. It is by no means perfect, but boy is it great! I have three children who astound me daily with joy and love. Of course, they also frustrate me to no end from time to time! I live in a great community, surrounded by great friends and neighbors and have the humbling privilege of pastoring and co-laboring with the wonderful folks of Westside Community Church. And, even as great as all this is, it pales in comparison to the greatest life God has for me, which is yet in store and rests in the realm of eternity! Yes, the best is yet to come!
I think in fact that the idea that our best life can be now is a heresy (a dangerous false truth) that has so seeped into the modern church that we, as Christ's children, have a difficult time understanding the great hope we have in the Resurrection. In fact, it is not only the great hope, friends, it is the only hope we have! In Luke chapter 20 Christ is once again challenged and this time the challenge surrounds an obscure question regarding the resurrection. Rather than getting into the nuance of the argument, Christ brings the hammer down and basically tells the Sadducees that there perspective is limited. They indeed see things in a gravely mistaken way! They are bound by what their eyes can see, their ears can ear and their hands can touch. Into this challenge, Jesus simply reminds them and us of three great Resurrection Realities!
So, let me ask you, when you think of the Resurrection what is the first thing that comes to mind? This week I hope to give you some handles on this important and central concept of the Christian faith. It is my goal that we, His children, would fully undertand, gravitate toward, sink into, devour the great truth of the Gospel that says, “For the Believer, the Best is Yet to Come!”
Join us Sunday at 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.
Biz
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