I have a problem. We stopped at a Friendly’s this evening and I got a Fribble, a large chocolate milkshake. Even before I got halfway to the bottom I filled up; can’t eat as much as I used to. The server gave me a cup to use so I could bring it home. Now I have the problem. If I put it in the freezer it will get solid. If I put it in the fridge it will turn to milk. So where, other than my stomach, should I put it? Please do not be concerned for my health and say down the kitchen drain.
I wonder if God ever wonders what to do with us; too good for earth but not good enough for heaven. Obviously there was no problem with Enoch. “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5. And there was Elijah, “There appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” II Kings 2:11. Apparently both of these men really really pleased God.
So what about you and me? I’m never going to be that good. And I have my doubts about you. The Good News is it isn’t goodness that gets us there. It’s grace. Eternal life is a gift of God. So neither Enoch nor Elijah really was good enough. Even for them it was a gift. For us, as it was for them, it is not a matter of being good enough but a matter of pleasing God by thanking Him for the gift and wanting to grow more and more like Him every day.
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 28, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org