Did you know that Jesus promises eternity on the other side of this life?
Whether you are a follower of Jesus or not, I’m convinced we often forget that promise.
Tucked away in the Bible lives 4 chapters called the Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These chapters lead you through the ministry of Jesus, and possess the power to change your life.
There is a specific account in the book of Luke, Chapter 23, that describes in detail the walk to the cross where Jesus would be crucified.
I wouldn’t call this light reading, so sit down with a good cup of coffee, take a deep breath, if you decide to jump straight there.
Despite the brutality of his crucifixtion, Jesus references paradise.
Let’s pause for a moment, people of Pensacola.
We live in paradise. The whitest beaches, the most beautiful sunsets, and a dreamy small town with big city vibes. I want you to hold the idea of paradise in your mind when you read this line.
43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
To give more context, Jesus is talking with one of the two criminals being crucified next to him.
On one side, there is a man mocking Jesus, on the other, there is one who recognizes who Jesus really is.
Sounds like a normal day in our time.
There is always someone who is going to mock our faith, not understand it, or go as far as to persecute us for it.
On the other, there is someone seeking, someone curious where the joy comes from, and in need of a peace so deep it surpasses our own understanding.
Jesus gives us the choice AND the promise.
He doesn’t return the rejection. He waits patiently for that rejection to turn into conviction. He provides proof through the scriptures that He is who He says He is, and then offers us access to it!
I’ll be honest, this holy moment wasn’t intended to begin at the crucifixion. I came here to talk about vertical and horizontal lines. Though sometimes, Jesus has a way of grabbing our attention and taking us deeper than we planned to go with our thinking. If you read through all 4 of The Gospels, you’ll understand what I mean.
The miraculous moment in all of this, is the holy moment that unraveled as I was coming here to share it. My initial story was about a lesson on lines that I taught my students this week.
I used my arm and stuck it straight towards the ceiling. I asked the students what direction my arm was, and who my fingers were pointing to. Some yelled, “VERTICAL”, others questioned “heaven?”, others said “GOD!”. I described how our vertical relationship with God is the most important relationship we can have in our lives.
I moved my arm in a horizontal direction and asked the same thing. Students called out the names of the kids I was pointing to.
My explanation went something like this.. If our vertical relationship with God is good, then all of our horizontal relationships are going to be better because of it.
It wasn’t until beginning to pen this post that it hit me the shape I was making with my arms.
I’d come here to share with you the importance of our relationship with God being the priority, and how if we go to God first, every relationship and situation on this side of heaven will be better because of it.
Little did I know that Jesus wanted us to receive more from this.
The Gospels cover many miracles, parables, and moments that make you think deeper. The cross gives us a visual reference to see clearer. Often times, we need to see it to believe it.
The lesson on lines I’d shared with the kids was an impactful reminder for me as well. Little did I know that Jesus had another lesson packed in there for us.
Jesus wants us to be reminded of eternity on the other side. He wants us to join Him in paradise. He and I both know things are hard on this side.
The chronic pain.
The strained relationship.
The unseen diagnosis.
You name it, He knows about it.
You could be a criminal or a saint, and He will welcome you into the heavenly gates. It’s a choice that He gives us the freedom to make.
As you sit with these words, with your current situation, and consider the relationship you have with God today; I invite you to see what stands out the most.
Is He your friend?
Your foe?
A guy you don’t know?
A savior?
A confidant?
Jesus will meet you where you are.
On the cross.
In the classroom.
During an argument.
In the hospital room.
Sitting in a church pew.
Locked in a jail cell.
No matter where you find yourself today, I think Jesus wanted us to be reminded that He is our first class ticket to a better place.
My hope is that you find the courage to surrender to the goodness of God today. He is with you, He is for you, and He made it possible for us to spend eternity in paradise one day!
Makenna Curtis
Local Pulse Community Writer
Holy Moments
