Looking down from ‘Up There’.
‘I can’t believe it - It is astonishing. How did you do that?
Each time I go into my workshop my senses are assailed by the smells of wood shavings and sawdust, wood oils and wax as well as all the associated paraphernalia of my carpenter’s workshop.
I like to watch on TV the program that repairs people’s cherished items many of which have fallen into disrepair because of aged and they require some TLC. Many of these items are powerful reminders of folks who have passed away, often leaving behind tender memories. A cherished item, large or small it doesn’t matter, it has meaning and seeing it repaired resurrects emotions and feelings. It can be very moving. In a small way I have been able to contribute to the repair of the odd item and it has been a blessing both to me and the people the item belonged to.
Now this might seem a bit odd: but, what is your idea of heaven?
Many of the people who bring items to be repaired or restored by those on the TV program tearfully refer to the individual whom they have inherited from. Often, they would say, ‘Granny/ grandpa would be very pleased, they would be looking down from up there and be astonished at what has been done with the repair’.
Many times this comment has been said, ‘They would be looking down from up there…’
Looking down from where?
In saying this does this provide an additional level of comfort and stops the thought of the alternative; ‘Down there’?
Is there a built in assumption; that we all ‘go up there?’, and we can all look down from ‘up there!’
There seems to be lots of people who are ‘looking down’ and are happy, astonished, over the moon at what has been achieved in repairing a precious object. I am not decrying the comfort that may be brought from the thoughts of a person ‘being up there’; or even the comfort of memorable items that remain a cherished memory of someone ‘up there’.
I just want to check the assumption.
The key to heaven’s door is available, but at a price. It is not conditional on how we feel, or things we have done; but rather the price that was paid to make the key available.
The bible remind us:
‘In my Father’s house there are many rooms…
I go to prepare a place for you…
I will come and take you back to that place…’ John 14:1-4 NIV
The key to heaven’s door is a bit unusual. It is and always has been the cross that took the life of Jesus; it is His death, and most certainly His resurrection. But that’s not all; there are just two more things; Confession and Salvation.
We can’t take with us our sin, all that stuff that has separated us from God; it’s a no-go-area. Sin, a potent virus that ultimately keeps us separated from God and offers only death; it was dealt with on the cross, despatched with, vanquished. It had to be left behind.
The cross is about Jesus dying and taking hold of the virus (sin) and overcoming its potency; making sure you and I are resurrected virus free.
The resurrection is about Jesus proving death is not the final hurdle.
The confession is about us. It’s the antidote, confessing our sin and accepting that we can be released from sin (Virus). In accepting Jesus offer of forgiveness of sin; we can look to our resurrection as he himself was resurrected - with the promise of being united with both Jesus and God; this is called salvation.
‘Death where is your sting?’ 1 Corinthians 15:55 NIV
We might then, with sure confidence look down from heaven on cherished people with a warm glow in our hearts that they too will find salvation, just as the carpenter would like us to.
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