Clothesline - Edition 224

By Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson, Pastor

November 6, 2024  

It’s the day after our National Election. Some people are extremely happy; some, not so much. But as I write this, the voting isn’t yet over, and whatever the outcome, there will be a “mopping up” operation somewhere.

When we don’t know what the future will hold, how do we handle it? That could apply to lots of things, but my thoughts went to our Monday night Faith Conversation group. Nine of us sat around a table as we do on the first Monday of the every month. After a light dinner, we read random questions taken from a box called Christian Talking Points. What stood out for me was this question: Do you believe in heaven? What a perfect question to come up the night before probably the most controversial election we’ve ever had! Heaven…what is it, where is it, do you believe in it?

First of all, Scripture tells us there is a heaven. We visualize it in the sky, yet we don’t really know where it is. Scripture tells us it will be a place where there is no pain, only joy…perfection at its fullest. We’re told that we will see those who have gone before, yet how exactly will that happen? Billions and billions of people have gone before us, and our deceased loved ones will be able to find us? Just a couple of the silly questions we think of when we think about heaven.

My thoughts?

Heaven is a place of total peace, and what that will look like is a mystery. What Jesus tells us is that everything and anything we can imagine won’t matter, because we will be at peace in the presence of God. Can we even comprehend such an idea? Life, no matter who is in the White House, will still be a struggle. Life will be full of ups and downs; it will be as it always has been—there will be problems and uncertainties, wants and needs. So where do we turn? Upon what do we hang our future?

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…You did not choose me, but I chose you…If you need anything, come to me…You are my sheep, and I am your Shepherd…Let nothing trouble you…believe in me!” How much more proof do we need that we are protected in the hands of God, and wherever heaven is, there’s a place for each of us in it!

The world will always disappoint us. But we have a God who knows us, loves us, is preparing a place for us, and when our time on earth is complete, he will come and take us home.

Whatever disappointments this world gives us, we have Jesus. Let that be your eternal peace.