Exodus 3:1-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 13-17; Luke 20:27-40

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Comparisons are a wonderful thing (as long as they are accurate). Apples to apples, house to house, similar to similar. Comparisons are often the way we learn new and harder teachings. We compare something we know to that which we don’t know. It helps us bridge the gap in our knowledge so we can both know and learn more things than before. 

But not everything can be compared. Some things are unique and simply can’t be compared with anythin

g else. By their essence, they are unlike everything else. These “one-of-a-kind” items must be understood by other means. 

This is the dilemma we find ourselves in when discussing heaven and the resurrection on the last day. Many Christians wonder what these things will be like. Yes, we try to understand them by comparing them to what we already know. But in our Gospel reading, Jesus shows us an important truth. There is no comparison. As Jesus says, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection,” Luke 20:34-36. What we know of this life is not a good comparison to the life that is to come.

Consider how deep sin runs in our world. It touches every aspect of human life and experience, that is, there’s nothing in this world that isn’t affected by human sin. Thus, even the best parts of human life pale in comparison to the goodness of heaven and the resurrection. On the opposite side, we know that the worst parts of life won’t even be present in the age to come. As we struggle with all the evil in our world, we must be aware (as Paul tells us) that it will only get worse before the end. “And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming,” 2 Thessalonians 2:8.

So how can we know anything about heaven and eternity? If not through comparison, though experience in this life, then what? And of course, the simple answer is always… Jesus. It’s because Jesus has told us what to expect, what it will be like. He makes the comparisons for us because he has already experienced it. Jesus who came down from heaven, gave up his throne, now joins us in our world of misery so that you and me may be “worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead…” Luke 20:35. By Jesus’ death on the cross, Jesus has paid for all of our sins. He’s erased our ledger so that by his grace, we may be considered worthy of eternity! In that life, there will be no more marriage for we shall no longer die. There will be no more sin, pain, suffering, greed, or any evil thing. Rather, we shall live with God in holiness and perfection for all eternity!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Living God, Your almighty power is made known chiefly in showing mercy and pity. Grant us the fullness of Your grace to lay hold of Your promises and live forever in Your presence; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!