Someone I’ve known
since high school is dying. The consequences of his lifestyle have reached the
point of no return. Once movie-star handsome, ruggedly athletic, and smart, the
battle with the bottle got the best of him. We may be sad and ask the “what ifs,”
but I was talking to his beautiful sister last week and we talked about the
fact that he will be going to heaven.
How can we be sure?
He loves Jesus. In his sober times (and there were a few) he talked about Jesus
and carried his Bible around with him. It wasn’t fake. It saved him. Saved him
for eternity. He made the most important decision a human being can make. More
important than what job to take, more important than being sober, more
important than when to retire.
At the end of this
life, whether short or long, the only thing left is where we will spend
eternity. Jesus offers us life in heaven with Him. The cost? It’s free. He paid
the price. He suffered our friend’s alcoholism on the cross. He felt the pain
of suicide. He covered the ugly thoughts in our heads, the pride-filled
moments, the gossip and judgment, the wrong choices, the bad habits, all
covered with His blood. He, the One and Only sinless man, suffered it all. And
we, like our friend, just had to say, “Yes, Jesus, I believe you died, were
buried and rose again. And I take you as my Savior.”
That’s it. We may
miss out on all God had planned for us in this life, by our own stupid choices,
but God does have the power and the ability to make this life worth living, too.
But the prize, oh the everlasting prize, will be eternal joy, eternal peace,
eternity with Jesus. And our friends who didn’t quite grasp it all here, but
made the choice for Jesus? There will be a grand welcome home party forever.
Jesus,
Thank You for the blessed assurance of heaven. Thank You for
the free gift You offer. Once we accept it, it can never be taken away, no matter
what. We wish everyone would believe the promises You make for this earthly
life too. But eternity awaits. It awaits all of us sinners who believe. Believe
in a Savior.
It’s Jesus.
Amen
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