One of air travel’s exciting elements is the destination.
Thinking back to more exotic or historic-oriented trips, I can remember the anticipation building for months. Hawaii was more beautiful than I could have imagined, St. Lucia was more unique than its pictures, Israel was incredible, Italy was stunning, India was intriguing, Africa was charming and inviting and Mexico’s people are as warm as their climate.
Everyone is on a journey with a very specific destination. Scripturally, Jesus points to himself as the destination:
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3 NIV)
Christ also speaks of distinctions between heaven and another location where there will be gnashing of teeth; a place of one’s own choosing.
As I think on that and speak with others about a final destination, it sometimes feels like they put more thought and preparation into their earthly trips and vacations; as if they’re on a permanent vacation from the reality of the two destinations that Jesus offers.
I am convicted by the possibility that I am letting go of conversations like these because they are uncomfortable and yet I’d never let a loved one, friend or even a perfect stranger get on the wrong plane at an airport gate.
Is it because I’m afraid of being offensive? Is it because I use the convenient excuse that I don’t want to judge? Is it a more frightening reason: I don’t believe that Jesus gave two choices?
No matter where I “land” on these questions, it’s not helpful to anyone to avoid this topic of destination before their final ticket is punched.
PORTAL TO HEAVEN: Delicate topics are of “grave” importance.
Hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus…For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile…Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
Philemon 6 NKJV, Romans 1:16 NIV, John 21:25 NIV