IF WE IGNORE DEATH, IT WILL GO AWAY is the wrong belief I encounter most frequently. Of course, folks don’t really believe that, but they act like it. Accordingly, many do not complete or even begin the Heritage of Hope process because it means they must face their own aging process and eventual departure. It is true that contemplating one’s physical death requires courage, much love of those we leave behind, anticipatory grief, and faith in God’s promises to us. Sadly, avoidance exacerbates the difficulties of all involved when death does come, and avoidance robs us of the best source of endurance for the challenges of later life—ANTICIPATING THE JOY.
Hebrews tells us Jesus was ANTICIPATING THE JOY that awaited Him. Hebrews 12: 1-3. Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who FOR THE JOY that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Many do joyfully anticipate good things but on a smaller scale. Elaborate vacations or weddings are planned. Others eagerly await and work toward graduation, a promotion, the purchase of a home, or retirement. The problem with these lesser goals and delights is that they are subject to cancellation. Folks get sick, released on furlough, or we experience a national lock down. If we are looking unto Jesus, however, the joy remains before us even in the midst of rather large and overwhelming disappointments or setbacks.
A dear friend of mine, Holly Fowler, responded to her own complaints and those of her children by saying, “Life is hard and then you die.” Was she being harsh or cruel? Actually, she spoke truth. She was teaching her children not to expect this life to be easy. It is our eternal life that will be wonderful, not this one. When my friend’s life was especially hard, she would visualize herself sitting in her heavenly Father’s lap as she had been held by her earthly father. She endured loss and pain by ANTICIPATING THE JOY of Heaven per Jesus’ example.
In the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17), Jesus says over and over again, I am going to the Father. He modeled the eternal perspective, the long view, and the endurance it promotes. His life was hard, and He died, yet He rose, and He ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father where He now intercedes for us. We are all called to look unto Jesus just as He looked upon the Father, ANTICIPATING THE JOY that was set before Him. Therein lies the secret of endurance per this passage.
Lord Jesus, please give us this long view that we may lovingly, boldly, and tenaciously complete the Heritage of Hope Checklist tasks necessary to finish this life well. May we live ANTICIPATING THE JOY that awaits us by looking unto you this day and every day. Thank you for coming and enduring all you did that we may join you in eternity. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.
