At lunch today we were talking about my involvement in ministry, and my mother-in-law said with a smile, “Grandpa Marble is surely smiling down from heaven watching you!”
Grandpa Marble was a small town country preacher in Oregon. He was a wonderful man who performed our wedding ceremony, the father of 9 children, and quite a practical jokester. In fact, he too had the spiritual gift of orneriness! Unfortunately he passed away before any of the kids were born, so they never got to meet this special man. Regardless, Josiah said in response, “Oh I miss Grandpa Marble!” to which we all smiled.
And then with the same sweet sincerity, Josiah continued. “When I get to heaven, I’m going to give Jesus a great big hug, and a great big kiss!”
Well, I couldn’t have said it better myself!
What about you? Have you thought about, and settled where you’re headed after this life? Will you also be giving your Lord and Savior a great big hug? Are you confident about that? If you haven’t crossed that line of faith, and put your trust and hope in Him, why not? What are you waiting for? His love for you is indeed great, and nothing you have ever done, or ever will do, is beyond His love and forgiveness.
The Bible says that “God so loved the world” (that’s YOU!) “that He gave His only son” (that’s Jesus) “that whoever believes in Him” (you don’t have to understand everything, you just need to believe with a childlike faith) “will not perish but have everlasting life” (which means you too could be giving Jesus a big hug when you arrive). And you know what? He’ll also be welcoming you with open arms and a great big hug.
If you’re still questioning whether that’s true or not for you, listen to this. “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.” God isn’t sitting in heaven watching as an evil judge, waiting to pronounce judgment upon your life. He in fact made a plan for your future, and that starts with accepting Jesus’ love and forgiveness. It’s a gift for you. Have you accepted it? Jesus died for you out of His great love for you. Jesus Himself said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
If you’d like more information about next steps in following Jesus, please feel free to email me at info@thebridgeweb.net. I’d be happy to share, discuss and pray with you!
