One Key
“The Reality of Heaven” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
“One Key”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction
Recently, I bought a car navigation device, otherwise known as a GPS. This Global Positioning System provides dependable directions and universal access to anyone, anywhere, at any time. This system operates by three parts: the satellites in orbit, the monitoring stations on earth, and the individual units owned by us, the consumer.
These three units then calculate latitude, longitude, and altitude to help the user know exactly where they are, so long as the unit is tuned in to the satellite signal.
If the signal is lost, the user must rely on their own wisdom to find their way. There is one key to move in the right direction – STAYING CONNECTED.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth):
After four hundred and thirty years as Egyptian slaves, the Israelites were finally freed (Exodus 12:51). With Moses as their guide, they left behind a life of despair en route to a new life in Canaan. During their forty years in the wilderness, they were instructed how to travel, where to camp, and what to eat.
Although God was protecting and providing for them, the Israelites were not tuned into Him. They complained about a lack of food and water and argued which course was best to take. Rather than relying on God’s wisdom, they rebelled against Moses and Aaron, believing they knew what was best. But because Moses was connected to God, they found their way to the Promised Land in safety and provision.
God became their GPS: And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.(Exodus 13:21, NKJV).
The clouds of smoke and fire may sound a bit unconventional compared to our current technology, but God’s ways are much better than ours (Isaiah 55:9). When they came to the Red Sea, Moses told the Israelites to keep their eyes fixed on God: Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.
The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:13-14).
No matter where we find ourselves, God will meet us there.
He will direct our every step and protect us under His wing.
After the Israelites were on the other side of the sea, their hearts were changed: And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. (Exodus 14:31). There was one key to the hearts of the Israelites – WALKING BY FAITH.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response):
God created us to operate as three-part beings: spirit, soul, and body. Each is important and serves a very specific purpose, but only one will last forever. Our eternal spirits will live beyond the death of our physical bodies that return back to the dust they were created from (Genesis 3:19). Many people spend a lifetime searching for direction and happiness.
If our search takes us away from God, we are going in the wrong direction.
The father of lies, Satan, will present the worst of things in the most beautiful light. As the great deceiver, he will surely lure us into places we cannot find our way out of. But Jesus … the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), will make our path clear (Proverbs 4:11).
We can call on Him, morning, noon, and night, and He will lead us in the right direction every time (Psalm 55:17).
For Christ followers, our ultimate destination is Heaven.
Most people believe their goodness will grant them access, but the best ‘good’ you can be is never enough to meet God’s perfect standards. Goodness is something we try to do on our own, but forgiveness comes only from God. Good is good, but Heaven is better.
Goodness is not the key to Heaven, but there is one key that fits for every person – FORGIVENESS. Jesus has gone to prepare a place in Heaven for those who believe in Him (John 14:1-4).
Will you be there?
Are you connected to God?
Are you walking by faith?
Are you trying to get to Heaven by your goodness?
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Zephaniah 3:17; John 1:12; Philippians 1:21
KYR
