Where Are You Going?

Posted on March 21, 2020 by Mike

Life is a journey. We all start somewhere determined by our parents and where we end up is usually a complicated process that involves many different people and several starts and stops. Depending on how old you are, you likely can look back a few years or a few decades and see those moments when you felt like you made a wrong turn and needed to change course. As a result, where you believe you’re going right now may be completely different than where you thought you were going in the past. Ultimately, those who are followers of Jesus have the same destination in mind – the kingdom of heaven.

As believers our final destination has already been determined, but we still need to travel through this life. Our goal in this journey is not to get distracted or misguided. Along the way there will be many who will tell believers that the kingdom of heaven is an ancient myth. They will say that Jesus made his promise to return and establish his kingdom over two thousand years ago and nothing has changed. If we let these mockers disrupt our progress, we are falling victim to the enemy’s trap.

“Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:3-4 (NASB)

Time has a way of wearing away proper thinking. This is why certain salesmen will develop a long sales pitch. They know that over time you will drop your defenses and allow them to close the deal. We can’t let that happen on our journey. Jesus is coming. There’s no doubt about that. Jesus is not dragging his feet; he’s allowing us time to do the work he has assigned to us. We’re not waiting for Jesus, he’s waiting on us.

“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NASB)

Our mission assigned by Jesus in this journey is to share the gospel and bring everyone with us along the way. Jesus wants “all to come to repentance.” We accomplish this goal by loving God with all our heart and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. It is the love of God that provides us with our salvation. When we share that love with others, we point them toward their own salvation and a chance to receive the righteousness that God’s grace provides.

“But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13 (NASB)

The enemy has spent the last two thousand years developing a complex web of deception intended to misguide followers of Jesus as well as those traveling without Jesus. Part of our mission as believers is to find the lost and point them in the right direction. We can only do that if we are certain about the path we are traveling. We are safest when we stay in the Word of God and stick together as travelers.

“Be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17-18 (NASB)

Where are you going? Are you pointed in the right direction? Are you traveling with trusted allies? Are you making an effort to bring others on the journey with you? These are important questions we all need to ask every day as we make our way ever closer to the kingdom of heaven and all eternity with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

All scripture references are linked to Bible Gateway so that you can read each verse in context. Bible Gateway allows you to change the verse to your favorite translation and compare it side-by-side with multiple translations. In addition, you can select to hear an audio version of any verse by clicking on the speaker icon. Keep the Bible Gateway App on your phone so that you can visit the Word of God at any time during your day.