Heaven and earth will pass away. 

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. 

Matthew 24:35-36 HCSB

In this scripture passage Jesus is clearly telling us that there are two things that are certain. The first thing is that heaven and earth will pass away. The second thing is that no one except God himself knows when this will be. But one thing that I can assure you is that each day we are one day closer to that time. When I retired, I literally was counting down the months, then the weeks, then the days. When we go on vacation, we often count down the days until we leave.

Last year I booked a trip, but discovered about a month out that I was unable to go. I rebooked the trip this year, and if the Lord is willing, will leave in a month. We booked everything back in April. Back then it seemed like it was years away, but now it is drawing closer and the excitement builds with each passing day.

This is a good way to describe our journey to heaven. We are called to salvation and it is exciting as we plan our future with the Lord and our trip to our ultimate destination. But the thing about this trip is that we have no idea what our departure date will be. That really doesn’t matter, though. Because the most important thing about this trip is the destination.

In a few hours, I will be heading to the funeral of a dear friend. I am not mourning this woman, but I mourn the loss of her. This earth has lost a dear, devout Christian who loved the Lord and let it show to all those around her. She was a great mentor to my husband and myself when we returned to the church. Several months back she told me that she was wondering if she had done all the Lord had asked of her or if she had done enough for him. I then let her know how big a part she played in guiding me and my husband into a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. I have heard from others that often times her life was hard, but she never showed any contempt or discontentment. Her faith always shined like a beacon for others to see.

None of us know when we will leave this earth, but we can be assured of where we are going? Think about it like this, would you be willing to board an airplane for an unknown destination? Not me. I want to know where I am going. If I am going to board a plane I want to be sure that it is a nice destination. I would not want to go to some third world country or somewhere where my life is in grave danger. I applaud the missionaries that work in these fields, but I have not experienced that calling on my life. Even these missionaries know where they are called to go.

I finally know that if I am called home today it will be to spend eternity with my Lord and Savior. This is not because I am without sin in my life, we have all sinned (Romans 3:23). This is because I daily ask God to guide me and forgive me for where I fail Him. This is because He sent His one and only Son to die for me so that I could live (John 3:16). So praise God I know where I am going, I just have no idea when I will leave. I do know one thing, however, each and every day I am one day closer to departure and so are you. You will take this journey, we just don’t know when. Are you ready? Have you made your reservation in God’s house? Are you working to go in the opposite direction?

We are told in Revelation 20:13-15 that we will be judged. Some will go to heaven and some into the lake of fire. I beg of you to reserve your place in heaven right now today. Turn to God and trust in Him. Believe in Him. Confess your sins to Him, repent, and be forgiven before it’s too late.

If you are alive and reading this today, know that today you are one day closer to appearing at the Great White Throne of Judgment (Revelation 20:12-15). Know that each and every day you are taking steps to determine your final destination. There are only two choices for this trip, which will it be?

Have a great day!