“God’s eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, was that through faith in Him (Jesus) we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:10-11
To say it was an extravaganza would be a HUGE understatement. But there I was, standing in the checkpoint line in downtown Tampa to get into an ‘all you can eat’ seafood festival thrown by, and for, big propellers in the maritime industry. At first I was a little nervous because I’m not even IN that industry. Heck… I didn’t even have a TICKET! But then… I saw HIM!
He was working check-in and I hadn’t seen him at first. But my nervousness vanished when I saw him at the checkpoint. Moving in closer, I grabbed ‘the guy’ and gave him a BIG hug. As I did, he smiled and said…”Hi Dad!” Then he handed me “The Ticket.” “What am I supposed to do with this?” I asked. “Give it back to me and go on in!” It was just that simple!
There are no words to explain it. Both of my sons were there, along with well over 1000 other people. It was the relationship with my sons that made me feel welcome and proud. When I met someone and they asked who I was, my answer was “I’m Colt’s, (or Clint’s) dad! They ALWAYS smiled at hearing those words! It was one of the best times I have ever had.
Because life is life, and we’re all busy living it, it takes conscious effort to focus, think on, and enjoy the thoughts of entry. Because we are ALL ‘in line,’ moving toward the check-in point for the greatest event in the history of the universe! A global gathering of people invested in the business and service of the King. But to get in… one HAS to have a ticket!
‘I’ didn’t have to do anything to get my welcome ticket, except show up and trust my son. Heaven will be the exact same scenario. Entry into the party isn’t just encouraged, it is the WHOLE POINT of ALL life. God the Father has a purpose, and His entry requirements are unchangeable. I can’t just KNOW ABOUT Jesus, His Son, I must have a RELATIONSHIP with Him to be welcomed in!
Are YOU going to the party? Do YOU have a relationship with The Son? Will YOU be welcome with honor and joy? All God wants to know is, do YOU have “The Ticket!”
