Just over the Hill

Heaven isn’t far. It’s just over the hill. I’m still climbing. It’s a road full of rocks, ruts, rubble, and obstacles of all kinds. But it’s just over the hill, It’s not far. I seem to have been climbing forever (most of my life, as it happens). Heaven isn’t far.

For Jesus heaven wasn’t far. All that stood before Him was the cross. It wasn’t far, but the road was tortuous, long, and lonely. “Father, why have you abandoned me? Where are You?” The Father was silent for a time. Christ had to suffer on His own. All by Himself He had to carry the burden of the world’s sin, shame, pain, and guilt. Jesus was the one called to bear it, the One who had never known sin, guilt, or shame. He had to carry it all, for everyone.

Then God showed His hand. A shroud of darkness covered the land. The temple sanctuary, reserved only for the privileged few, shuddered and was exposed to the world. The dividing curtain was ripped apart to allow access to all. The earth shook and, with a mighty roar, rocks were split apart. The tombs of the dead were opened and bodies of the faithful were brought to life (Matthew 27:52).

A loud voice cried out, clear and triumphant. “It is finished.” The journey was over, and the glory was yet to come.

It’s just over the hill. It’s not too far. Are we ready? Many have lost the way. Many more don’t even know there is a way. And many, many more are going the wrong way. How can we know the way? How do we find it?

Jesus found it. He beat down all opposition and endured many hardships to find it. So, the way has been walked already. Jesus said, “Follow me.” To find it we must follow Him, although not through all the heartache and pain and suffering He endured. That has already been done for us. That’s what the cross was all about. But we are to follow Him, He who is pure, righteous and victorious. He said, “I am the way.”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). With Him we’re almost there. It’s just over the hill.

Are we struggling with our heavy load? Are we carrying baggage that He has already carried and disposed of? He took all our pain and sorrows. Have we given him our hatred, bitterness, and anger? He carried all that too. In fact, as we acknowledge all our sins before Him, they are already dealt with - crucified with Christ.

Let’s go with Him, beyond the cross, leaving our past behind, and accept His invitation. “Come, follow me.”  We’re almost there. It’s just over the hill.