My friend experienced something she's longed for many times over. She’s enjoyed sweet times of communion in His presence before but now she’s face-to-face with Jesus, clothed in a body no longer wracked with pain. Confident she wouldn't miss out on this gift of eternal life because her Creator and Designer made a way through Jesus Christ's death on a cross. She didn't have to strive to attain this gift. With a gift of faith, she leaned her entire weight on the work done through the cross.
From the moment my friend was knit together in her mother's womb, she was longed for by her Father in heaven. He desired relationship with her but she couldn't do it her own way. All the good works that she's ever done (and she's done many) won't build a staircase into heaven. All the love she's poured out on her family won't open the gates of heaven. All the church services and prayer meetings and choir practices attended are not part of the checklist she needs to cross off in order to look the part of a Christian. There is only one thing that matters. Believe that Jesus is the Way to the Father. He is the Truth and he is the Life everlasting. The cross was the path He chose for relationship with us. A perfect sinless sacrifice so that our missing the mark could be rectified once and for all.
Maybe today is full of troubles, you are weary of injustice and the attacks on those you love, incessant. Maybe the load feels heavy that you are called to bear. Each of us can count up loved ones lost in countless different ways. Our prayers seem feeble and weak in the lions' den but God comes. But God draws near our brokenness and says, 'Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat!'(Isaiah 55:1NIV)
I love that He draws near when I am empty and broken. I love that when the storm has knocked me down and I'm bruised, the Word of God says, "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out."(Isaiah 42:3a NIV)
Today, in honour of my friend Kathy, she would be so pleased to know that FOMO on eternal life doesn't apply to you because you are secure in the knowledge that Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God. You acknowledged that He died and rose again and is coming again. You've received His forgiveness and embraced His righteousness in exchange for your sins. Now, the Holy Spirit indwells you, transforms you and empowers you to live in communion with the Father.
The Bible is His story, a love story of how He pursues relationship with us, His creation. Start by getting to know Him through the gospel of John and understand the blessings of what life with Him looks like in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Then read the rest of the gospels and Acts to discover the rhythm of a life of faith. The letter of James reminds us that hard times refine us but to persevere in our faith in the One who made us. Ask God for a love for His Word. He won’t disappoint.
Dear Kathy,
I’m so proud of you for pursuing Jesus no matter the cost. You cherished your family and friends well. We will see you on the other side.
Love,
Tamara