do you have a reservation?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.   

~1 Peter 1:3-5

Sometimes it’s fun to do things spontaneously. You’re hanging out with friends or family, and you say, “Let’s go do ______!” So, you get in the car and just hit the adventure full throttle. But there are plenty of activities for which spontaneity is foolish. For example, we can’t just show up to an exclusive fancy restaurant and expect to get in. We need a reservation. And walking into a hotel expecting an available room, we’re likely to hear, “Do you have a reservation?” Some state parks are now locked to those without advanced reservations—which is hard to fathom. Even venturing out to play putt-putt, endure an escape room, or create scented candles—just showing up without booking a spot will likely lead to hearing, “Sorry, you should have made a reservation.” Oh, the disappointment of expecting a fun-filled time, only to be turned away.

That said, even when we wisely plan ahead, reserving and confirming every step along the way, our well-planned excursion can be wrought with a cloud of disappointment even before it’s over: think under- or overcooked food at that posh restaurant, pervasive wind and rain throughout the beach weekend, or a debilitating back injury the day before your first vacation with your husband in a decade (all of which I speak about from personal experience). Disappointing? You bet. And when the event or activity goes better than we could have ever imagined? Oh, the joy and satisfaction feel so, so good! But then it ends—the amazing meal, fabulous vacation, exhilarating adventure. Sure, we celebrate having done it and can reminisce about the fun had, but disappointment lurks, like a fog that dims our vision of the road just traveled. 

Friend, both our temporary delights and all associated disappointments are meant to be soul-level reminders from our sweet Heavenly Father. The best of this life are only shadows of what’s to come. You see, if you’ve surrendered to Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have a reservation for the future which is confirmed, protected, and un-cancellable. The adventure ahead won’t ever be defiled by bad weather, poorly prepared food, or physical pain. And not only will the amazing memories being made not fade away, the experience itself is imperishable and eternal (1 Peter 1:3-9). Christians are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), with an magnificent everlasting place prepared just for us by and with Jesus (John 14:2-3), and a perfected, glorious body to with which to enjoy it all (Philippians 3:21). 

In this life, we are privileged to get beautiful glimpses of what is reserved for us—the breathtaking awe of a sunrise, the promise of a rainbow’s brilliant colors, the thrill of earthly adventures, the deep love we experience with a spouse or child, and even the sweet comfort of our current home-sweet-home. But these give us only a taste of what is reserved for us in heaven! We have a confident hope in what’s to come (Philippians 1:6; Romans 15:13)…no matter the joys, disappointments, trials, successes, and pain we experience now (Romans 5:1-5).

So, do you have a reservation for heaven? If you’ve submitted to Jesus as Lord and Savior, the answer is a resounding yes! But if you long to know the promise of undaunted and unending joy, thrills, and adventure, you can get a reservation right now. Like the fanciest of events, this is an exclusive invitation. No plus-ones—it’s got to have your name on it. Yes, it’s exclusive, but it’s also radically inclusive. No big price tag, no waiting in line, no need to wait for a black Friday deal…but you do have to know Someone to get in (John 14:16). And He’s waiting to hear from you (Romans 10:9-10). Reserve your spot today.

Lord, thank You for the promise of all You have in store for us—and the miraculous glimpses of Your glory we experience in the waiting. Stir the hearts of those reading this who don’t yet know You…may they accept Your invitation now.