journey onWord with us

Recently, my husband was on a business trip in a rural part of northern Florida. Now, that part of the state’s geography could actually be included in the southern “Bible Belt” because there are so many churches in the area. Mike was travelling through a very small town on a back road, and he couldn’t help but notice the words on the sign of one small church. It read, “There are 3 things you need to know about eternity – location, location, location.” We both chuckled over that statement, but I have not been able to get it out of my mind. A statement that we have all used in some fashion, a simple, and humorous thought, yet truly profound…

When it is time for us to step into eternity, what will be our new location?

We all understand the concept behind the importance of location. McDonald’s spends millions on the study and selection of their next new store – and you know Wendy’s will be building nearby soon. Lowe’s conducts extensive demographic studies in order to choose their next spot – and you know Home Depot will be breaking ground soon nearby. Location is everything in the business world. What about to us? I taught a Bible study a while back based on the book by John McArthur entitled Twelve Ordinary Men; it was all about the twelve disciples. In the account about Thomas, there’s an incident where Jesus is trying to explain to the twelve that He will be leaving them soon. He, of course, was referencing His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension to Heaven, but the twelve did not understand at all. Thomas asks a question in John 14:5-6…

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way? Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

And there it is – the simple, yet truly profound truth. The Way to choose our location for eternity is not through giving money, it’s not through volunteering, and it’s not through being a “good person.” It is through Jesus Christ, God’s son! I recently heard a now-famous TV preacher being interviewed; the newsman asked him point-blank, “how does a person get to Heaven?” I was thrilled. I thought God had given this preacher a golden opportunity to tell millions of people the Way, through Christ. Instead the preacher talked in broad generalizations, never answering directly. I was so disappointed in him. So often in this day and age, we are afraid of offending someone or making them feel bad.  This is a person’s permanent location we are talking about! Let’s keep it simple, direct and profound.

The way to get to Heaven is through Jesus Christ God’s Son. Location, Location, Location