John 12:25-26
[Jesus said] Anyone who loves his life destroys it. And the one who hates his life in this world will hold on to it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, let him follow me. And where I am, there my servant will be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
Dear Lord Jesus,
It is no wonder that Paul said Your Word is foolish for the world; these words You spoke to those Greeks during the week You were to be crucified can seem foolish. Your point was not to put all our emphasis here in this life or to hold onto this life as if this is the best that we ever get. We can get sucked into the world’s way of thinking; we hear it every day in the ads telling us to “have it our way,” “be all that we can be,” or “the best part for us is when we wake up.”
This life is only a stepping stone, a way to get across the stream, but the world sees those boulders in the middle of the river and claims them for their own, unaware of the destruction raging their way. The world wants to love this life, trying to encourage us to do the same.
However, you tell us to destroy it, destroying that way of thinking that we are trying to make a permanent house on Earth away from heaven. Contrary to the world, You ask us to focus on the home that waits for us in heaven, on the other side of this river of life. We walk with our faith grounded in You, knowing that in the end, our eternal home is with You in heaven because You are the bridge that leads us there.
After You spoke these words to the Greeks, You put Your words into action by willingly going to the cross and giving up this life so that we would have eternal life and salvation. In faith, we hold on to You and Your promise that heaven awaits us. We will live forever with You and our heavenly Father because, as You said, “where You are, those who believe in You will also be.”
Allow us to share with others the promises You have given us: salvation, eternal life, and a forever life with You in heaven. We pray others will believe and be united with You, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
This life is temporary and fleeting; each day is another day closer to the end of your time of grace. For all who believe in Jesus, he has prepared a room that is a permanent home in heaven where there is no sadness, no tears, and no pain. Please trust in Jesus!