Final Destination

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of it all is? Who are we? Why are we here? Where are we going? What is the point of our lives? Some people put all their hope in this world. For them, “the one who wins with the most toys wins.” Maybe the point of it all is the accumulation of wealth and power, the ability to control the details of our lives, and the lives of others. (Some just hope to survive, one day at a time.) On the other hand, some put their hope in another world, another life. They picture an alternate reality or an afterlife in a variety of ways. Maybe the life to come is filled with fruit, or beaches, or virgins. Maybe we’ll have beautiful mansions located in cities with streets of gold. Or maybe God will simply restore this planet and the rest of the universe to its original state and intent and fill it with immortal humans.

How do you see your final destination? If you “put all your eggs” in an otherworldly basket, you may not pay very much attention to the day-to-day issues and struggles, the need to represent God’s Rule in the messiness of this life. If you put your hope in this life, you may fail to see the big picture, to learn the wisdom that comes only with the fear of the Lord. Seeing your final destination defines the road you see yourself on – the Way you are traveling – and gives you a sense of purpose and direction on your journey.

So what is the point? What is the reason for our lives? St. Augustine confessed, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Much later Blaise Pascal wrote, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.” The old Westminster Shorter Catechism began with the statement, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” All these classic statements attempt to answer the big questions.

The apostle Paul also proposed an answer: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:28-29). This is one of those passages in the Bible that we know so well we seldom take the time to reflect on the details. God causes everything to work together in harmony toward on goal; God has one clear purpose for all those who love him and been called out by him. God knew in advance what that purpose was; God set out a clear path and a clear destiny for his chosen ones. That purpose, that path, that destiny, was simply this – that they be formed into the image of God’s Son; that God’s people reflect the character and the likeness of Christ.

In other words, God leverages every aspect of our lives to make us more like Jesus. Everything works together toward that goal.

That maybe doesn’t seem like a very glorious purpose until you think about the nature and glory of the one we are becoming like. In another place Paul taught that Jesus sums up all of creation (Ephesians 1:10). Jesus is the firstborn “over all creation.” In fact, all things have been made by Jesus and for Jesus. It is the power and glory and authority of Christ that holds everything in creation together (see Colossians 1:15-17). The glory of God is fully revealed in Jesus. Everything else is a distraction; all else is darkness compared to the light of Christ.

There can be no greater honor, no brighter glory, than being formed into the image and character of Christ. That is our final destination.

At the end of his life the apostle John penned these beautiful words: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure (1 John 3:1-3). Think about it! Even now, because of the work of Christ on the cross, we are counted as God’s children. But that’s not all! In the end we are certain about two things: (1) we will be like him, and (2) we will see him as he is. We will be able to behold his pure glory because we will have come to increasingly reflect that glory. That’s our destiny! That’s our purpose! That’s the point of it all! And all things, every detail of our lives – the good, the bad, and the ugly – are working toward that end.

So you see, just believing in Jesus and going to heaven when we die is, in the end, a very shallow understanding of our final destination. God has so much more in mind for us, both in this life and in the life to come. 

What Commands?

Famous last words! The final words people speak just before “passing over” are often famous, and tend to summarize the life of the one speaking. From “et tu, Brute” (Julius Caesar) to “This is the last of earth – I am content” (John Quincy Adams) to “Codeine . . . bourbon” (Tallulah Bankhead), last words tell us volumes about the priorities that determined the course of one’s life.

Everyone is familiar with the final words of Jesus before ascending back to the right hand of the Father, so familiar that we rarely pause to consider the depth of their meaning. Here they are: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). We are able to live confidently, knowing that all authority belongs to Jesus. We’re comforted by knowing that Jesus will always be with us. And we know that Jesus instructed his followers to “Go.” And then we move on without exploring further the mission Jesus sent us on.

What are we to do as we “go”? First of all, we are to make disciples. We are to raise up a new generations of apprentices for Jesus. We are to form followers, students, those who will commit themselves to “learning Jesus.” Of course, that assumes we ourselves are disciples. It will be hard for us to make disciples if we have yet to be made disciples. The “commission” of Jesus begins by challenging us to revisit our own commitment to come under his yoke, enter into his school and learn his teachings, his way of life, and the principles that produced his way of life.

We are told to “make disciples of all nations.” Discipleship/apprenticeship is not just an individual matter. Communities can be discipled; people groups can be taught how to follow Jesus. Cities can learn how to live the Jesus Way. Jesus instructed us to accept the greater mission of empowering transformation across human barriers to the life of the larger community.

“Baptizing them,” introducing people to the covenant relationship with God made possible by the work of Christ and the Good News of his work. Christian initiation includes careful instruction in the Gospel that includes the mystery of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The foundation of what we believe about Jesus is crucial to the ongoing yoked life.

From the very beginning we are to “teach them to obey.” The local church has a very important teaching ministry. Systematic instruction, training, and equipping are part of the mandate shared by the gifted pastoral leaders provided by Christ to the church; it is also the responsibility of the local congregation as a whole. However, it’s important to remember that we are not just teaching precepts or ideas – we are teaching obedience. We are teaching a lifestyle of loving obedience to God, a life formed by a hearing ear and an obedient heart to the presence and voice of God in our lives.

But now it gets a bit more difficult. Jesus specifically instructed us to teach his disciples to obey “everything I have commanded you.” Commanded! What commands?! I thought commandments were an Old Testament thing. A “commandment” implies an obligation, instructions intended to be obeyed. Relationship with God was all about “Law” before Christ; now it’s all about “grace.” Isn’t it?

Actually, the “yoked life” of an apprentice of Jesus, a lifestyle of loving obedience, includes a clear understanding that some things are not suggestions, they are commandments. Do you remember the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount? “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.  Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:18-20). Jesus came to empower his followers to live out the spirit of the Law, not to set the Law aside. In fact, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for setting the Law aside: “Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3). Jesus advised the rich young ruler, “If you want to enter life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:17). Jesus had a clear teaching about what he consider the “greatest commandment” (see Matthew 22:36-40).

In fact, as committed disciples we are very interested in hearing and obeying the “commands” of Jesus. That will significantly define the Jesus Way for us. Are you listening for the commands of Jesus? 

Which Jesus Do You Believe In?

Everyone is following somebody. “No man is an island.” Now that the political parties have had their conventions, some are following Mitt and some are following the President. (Others are choosing to stay as independent as possible.) Almost everyone in our corner of the world claims to be following Jesus. But what does that really mean? And who is Jesus, anyway?

Even in Jesus’s day there was great controversy about the meaning and nature of the Messiah among the Jews. Almost no one agreed on who Jesus was. Some said he was able to perform miracles because he was demon possessed (John 7:20). For some, Jesus was too human to be the Messiah (John 7:27). Others argued that Jesus couldn’t be the Messiah because he was from Galilee (John 7:41-43). Jesus himself warned that many false Messiahs would appear and attempt to deceive (Matthew 24:24). Later, the apostle Paul warned about preachers proclaiming “a different Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4). Some contemporary religions have a very different view of Jesus; from Jesus as “a god” among other gods to Jesus as the brother of Lucifer. Many simply view Jesus as a great teacher, spiritual guru, righteous man, or even Palestinian revolutionary.

However, Jesus was very clear when defining himself. If we truly believe in Jesus, we need to believe the claims he made about himself: “I am the Son of God” (Matthew 27:43), and “I am God’s Son” (John 10:36). Jesus had an interesting conversation with a Samaritan woman: “The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’ Then Jesus declared, I, the one speaking to you—I am he’ (John 4:25-26). To the crowd Jesus said, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world" (John 8:23). To his disciples Jesus said, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am” (John 13:13). Jesus also claimed, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me” (John 14:11, 20).

In the Gospel of John Jesus gave very specific definitions of himself: I am the bread of life (John 6:35, 48). Jesus is the true nourishment provided by the Father, giving eternal life and true satisfaction to those who fully receive him.

I am the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5). Jesus is the Light of the Father shining into human darkness, showing us the way back. Jesus provides clear sight and direction in every area of life.

I am the gate for the sheep (John 10:7, 9). Jesus came to provide an entrance into the Father’s household, a sure and complete way to be reconciled with the Father and made a member of the Father’s family.

I am the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14). Jesus came to lead his “sheep” into green pastures and beside still waters. Jesus gave up his life for his sheep. As a result, he invites people to listen to his voice and to follow his compassionate leadership.

I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). Jesus came to lead us out of death into eternal life. Those who embrace Jesus and his word are no longer subject to death but grow from life to life.

I am the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6). Jesus is the way to the Father, the truth about the Father, and the life that comes from the Father. In fact, Jesus is the only truly reliable way back to God.

I am the true vine (John 15:1, 5). True life can only be found in an intimate, abiding relationship with Jesus, his words and his love finding a permanent home in our hearts.

I am a king (John 18:37). Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Jesus.

The most extreme statement Jesus made concerning himself brought an eventual charge of blasphemy: “’Very truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am” (John 8:58; see also John 18:5-6). Jesus was actually saying that he was the great I AM of the Old Testament! It’s no wonder the people tried to stone him on the spot (John 8:50).

God the Father was also very clear when confirming the person of Jesus: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17), and “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him” (Matthew 17:5).

C. S. Lewis famously said that Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord. Why? Because he clearly claimed to be God’s Son, to be the Lord. If he isn’t and knows he isn’t, he’s a liar. If he isn’t but thinks that he is, he’s a lunatic. Who do you think Jesus is? Do you really believe?

How Big Is Your Shovel?

Picture this: A small child is playing in a sandbox in the back yard, moving sand into a pile with a toy shovel. In a lot down the street, a large earth moving machine is leveling the ground to make way for a new house. Both individuals are happy, if not proud, of the progress they’re making. But how would you view their progress? How would you compare their progress? What are they really accomplishing with their shovels?

There’s an interesting and challenging saying from Jesus that I’ve pondered: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). The basic teaching about giving is clear in Scripture. A lifestyle of giving reflects the character of God. “For God so loved the world that he gave….” Giving and receiving are a constant cycle in our lives, starting with giving. We give and we receive so we can give again, etc., etc. But Jesus then adds a comment about the measure we use when we give. If we use a “good measure,” a dynamic process of receiving kicks in. A “good measure” results in an abundance “running over.” The reference is to a farmer getting ready to sow seeds. One commentator notes, “The image here is of a measuring container into which as much grain as possible is packed; it is then shaken to allow the grain to settle, and more is poured in till the container overflows. Pouring it ‘into the lap’ refers to the fold in the garment used as a pocket or pouch.” The promise is that a good measure will result in the same kind of measure being “measured to you,” an abundant repayment. Here are a couple of other translations of this great verse: “Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity” (The Message). “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back” (New Living Translation).

When you and I give, we start with a certain kind of shovel, a particular measure. The measure we use reflects other, deeper things going on in our hearts and lives. A good measure that reflects a good heart is evidence of an attitude of faith, hope, and confidence in God. It is a demonstration of an open heart and an open hand. The Bible calls this heart condition and character trait “generosity.” However, we occasionally find ourselves fearful, uncertain, lacking in hope and trust. The result is a closed heart and a closed hand. The Bible calls this “stingy,” an attitude of withholding and holding on. Since we receive in accordance with what we give and the spirit with which we give it, there is little room in a closed hand to give or to receive.

Generosity and stinginess are often contrasted in Scripture. “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell” (Proverbs 11:24-26). Generosity reflects a commitment to blessing and refreshing others. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Generosity is a free, voluntary expression of live, never compelled. Those who have more than enough in the faith community, the “rich,” are encouraged to take advantage of their excess to be generosity on every occasion. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Let me make a bold statement: God always blessed generosity; God never blesses stinginess. “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to” (Deuteronomy 15:10), and “Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice” (Psalm 112:5). But please remember that this has to do with our whole lives, not just with material things. In fact, the context of Luke 6:38 speaks of loving your enemies as well as giving material support to those who ask; it speaks of mercy and forgiveness (verses 27-37). Generosity is a lifestyle, not a momentary choice. During difficult, challenging times, our natural inclination is to guard our hearts and close our hands, to be stingy. Unfortunately, that instinctive response cuts us off from the blessings of the Lord. May God give us the grace and strength to keep our hearts and hands open and to allow God’s abundant blessings to flow to and through our lives.