We have a lot of nerve thinking we can get into heaven.
When I think about it, I see only two choices in this heaven thing. Either heaven is open to everybody because God loves us, or nobody because though He loves us, we are sinners and don't belong. I tend toward the second. After all, if heaven were my party, I probably wouldn't want any gate crashers, so I figure that God doesn't, either.
A good thing I'm not in charge. God sees it quite differently. Jesus said so.
Let the world know that You have loved them as You have loved Me. I want those You have given Me to be where I am, to see My glory, the glory you gave Me before the creation of the world.--John 17:23-24
But getting in is another matter.
I know I don't belong in heaven. If left on my own, I would stand forever out on the sidewalk, facing whatever angels guard heaven's gates. I do not, nor will I ever, make God's "A" list for anything I have done.
I love God, but that won't get me into heaven.
I try to do right, but that won't get me into heaven.
People pray for me, but that won't get me into heaven.
I go to church, but that won't get me into heaven.
I read my Bible, but that won't get me into heaven.
I have only one hope for heaven.
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.--John 3:16
That's it. My one ticket. Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice.
You see, I don't have to try to get into heaven by myself.
Jesus walks me up the sidewalk and when we get to the door, tells the guards, "She's with me."
After he returned from his adventures, Ulysses sat by his still hearth wondering what to do next. Getting older includes reflection upon life lessons we've learned and discernment about what comes next, but life is meant to be lived. We have become wiser than we think and we are meant to use the wisdom we've gained. Whether philosophy or observation, discovery or poetry, this is a depository not only for passive thought or memory, but a springboard for action. Life is more than breathing.
What a fantastic last line: "She's with me."
ReplyDeleteWow. Love that.
Yup. "She's with me."
ReplyDeleteI need to remember that. Visiting via Jennifer's linkup today.
Grateful for that ticket.
ReplyDeleteLOVE that last sentence!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gift! I have my ticket! :)
ReplyDelete"She's with me." LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteoh, Jesus is good....
"She's with me." Yep. Love it, too.
ReplyDeleteSo love this..."She's with Me"
ReplyDeleteIsn't it a really good thing that God is not like us? So grateful!
ReplyDeleteAnd great to connect through Still Saturday. Thanks for linking up at Oikosliving.com as well.
Couldn't find the follow button for Oikosliving. What did I miss?
DeleteA good reminder: HE is IT. Nothing else matters. And HE is the only way I will be entering into Heaven. What a blessing that will be.
ReplyDelete