After a long day of riding, or in this case driving, it was good to see our
motel in sight. We had reservations, which assured us of a place for the night,
but also give us flexibility in case the road is still calling, or we find a new
place in another direction. But with a feeling of assurance provided by
reservations, we travel. And this night was to be in Angels Camp, with a
reservation, and we arrived just in time for me to be fourth in line. The first
girl in line was complaining about a room key that didn’t work. The overworked
single employee made her another, those lousy credit card keys, and off she went
into the night. I assume it worked as she didn’t return. Next in line was a
logger, who’s company had made a reservation for him and a room mate. Who would
arrive later, but was told by the same girl behind the desk he had checked in
yesterday. Which was impossible, as he was in another state then, so getting
his key off he went, sans room mate, and he didn’t return. Two for two, and the
room was filling up behind me. The next in line was actually three generations
of an Indian family, with an interpreter, all in pajamas except the
interpreter. They had gotten into their room, changed, and left in their pj’s,
why was unexplained. But were unable to get back in, another key problem. The
sad faces showed they had no idea of what was going on, a face many of us
shared. But the interpreter got them a new key, and off they went. My
turn....
And after showing a credit card and picture ID, the official greeting of
motels everywhere, she had the paperwork with a key attached ready for me. Room
209 was written on it, but checking with her computer, it told her 212. Theresa
was waiting out in the 26 degree dark night, so I took my chances on 209, which
turned out to be 212, someone was already in 209. So 212 it would be, and was,
and with the door locked behind us waited for a knock from another misled guest
which never arrived. Nice room, and we were in for the night. Proving once
again the value of having reservations, of knowing your destination, and not
having to sleep in your car.
God has made reservations for us in heaven, based upon Jesus Christ. When
we are born again we will receive a mansion in heaven upon death on earth.
Assured by the spirit, but yet we send ahead requests. What we want, forgetting
that scripture tells us eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor mind imagined the
things of heaven. Whatever you think it will be, it will be better. A few
weeks ago a man asked if animals would be there? I don’t know, the important
thing is will you? And you can be assured of that by letting Jesus into your
life as Lord and Savior. It takes Jesus to change our hearts, and it is via his
spirit, not on our own, he does. Yet we cling to what we can see or feel,
forgetting what we see is temporal. Only the spirit will last forever. It
takes a loving God to change our hearts, he loves us as we are, but sees us as
we can be. And the final destination is heaven. For all who believe. So the
question is, do you have reservations in heaven? Where will you spend
eternity?
Ever since the fall of Adam in the garden, it has been man’s desire and
God’s will for us to reunite with him. Jesus is the way, simple so I can get
it. Free so I can afford it, and we are given the spirit to guide and lead us.
To a day we do not know, but know will occur. For just as we must die to self
to be born again, we must physically die to inherit a spiritual forever. And
while life may seem like my afternoon waiting to check in, God is ready. And
while here wants us to serve as travel agents for a heavenly journey that is
only found in Jesus. We may be the only Bible or travel brochure others ever
read about him. Do you have your reservation? Do you want to go to heaven but
cannot afford the ticket? It is free, a gift, to be accepted or rejected.
Your mansion is ready, are you?
When the spirit comes upon us it changes us from the inside out. The
things people see in us, the things of God. Salvation is an easy check in, we
just need to wait for the day to enter. But what a relief knowing we someday
will, sure beats looking for a room at the last minute. Maybe there is
something to this reservation idea. And you can be assured today in Christ.
Confirmed by his spirit that he gives us to assure us. Something not seen that
will disappear, but something intangible that we know is with us, but cannot be
seen. The forever God changing us and providing a room. Something Jesus
promised to all who received him. More than emotion or anything external, it
goes deeper. And cannot be explained. No words yet found to describe the
infinite God using finite words.
Make your reservation now. Confirmed by his spirit. Knowing he is the
key, and no one can duplicate that. No mixed up rooms, reservations, or being
locked out. When God says yes he means it. Will you join him today? The
spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. Jesus isn’t, join him today. God is
light, and he leaves the light on for you. Call it the parable of the motel
check in. Where you spend eternity is up to you, no ID required. We live with
the assurance of a reservation in our name. Next!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com