It's the dawning of the new age

28 After this, Jesus, knowing[a] that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19: 28-37

Ever stood near the edge of the Grand Canyon looking at the beautiful panoramic view of the morning sun rising across those rocks? Breathtaking, isn't it?  We work hard in life to afford trips in search of those breathtaking views.  In a sense, we live for those stunning pictures.

Somewhere in the world are loved ones in the remaining hours of their life. In a worldly sense, they've seen their better days,  now connected to life support waiting to die.

Some are lying in hospital beds where loved ones are gathered, touching and caressing their hand waiting for that inevitable moment when they have taken their' final' breath.

 Emotions run deep. Tears flow easily whenever they momentarily step away for a break.  Once they return they muster up their ability to smile again. In some of these rooms, someone is reciting Christian Bible verses, while in others are singing a chorus of Christian songs to the accompaniment of a lone guitar player.

Christian believers know that because of what Jesus did on the cross more than 2000 years ago they have the assurance that heaven will be their new home. Because of what Jesus's had done, death has lost its sting.  The price of their sin had been paid in full. Jesus's last words from the cross 'it is finished' says it all. Victory has been won, no more penance is required of them because of what  Jesus did for them.

Stories have been told throughout time in the waning moments of a dying person's life when they see visions of heaven's glory.

 Like walking through the long runway to a packed  NFL football game, the excitement of that glory builds to a mighty crescendo of cheers.  As our loved ones move away from their earthly existence, all the saints in heaven are shouting a glorious hallelujah just as they take their first breath of heavens air and they see loved ones, long absent from their lives, standing at the heavenly gate cheering them on while in the midst of them are the people they read about in the Bible from Jesus, Moses, David, Apostle Paul, Timothy and many more too numerous to mention.

If only you could see them after their last breath has been taken.  Instead of seeing an earthly body that grows colder, we see visions of our loved one throwing their hands in the air and shouting the victory chant, high fiving loved ones who were responsible for their spiritual growth.  If only we could see them getting a hug from the mighty King, Lord of lords, Jesus Christ?

Sigh.

There is a curtain in place that makes it harder to see heaven's glory. While there will be lots of celebrating for our loved one in heaven, life for those left behind is filled with tears and emotional ups and downs and a continual wondering if they would ever survive this pain.

There is hope for us left behind.  If we continue the rituals we had before our loved one died by continuing going to church at a place where they talk about Jesus and sing songs of his glory, then we will get a taste of what our loved one is experiencing. The church is a microcosm of what heaven will be like as we see people each week and offer encouraging words and prayers while singing glorious praises to our God and listening to God's word presented from the pulpit.

Because of what Jesus did on the cross more than 2000 years ago there is hope that one day you will see your loved one.  The central question for those left behind is 'where is Jesus right now in your life?' Is He on the sideline wanting to come into your life to make a difference? Or is He already the central part of your core being whispering words of encouragement in the most difficult parts of your life? You make the play.

Once you do, you will see Jesus ready to come into the game. All you have to do is call him.

It just may be the best decision you ever made!