Death to Life.

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” John‬ ‭3:18-21‬ (NLT)

It seems I have looked at death so wrong for so very long… or maybe wrong isn’t the right word, but from a very earthly and upside down perspective. I was looking at us alive and someday dying while Jesus is trying to show us that we are dead and He will bring us to Life! So much better! And completely the opposite of everything we practice. And as if that isn’t beautiful enough – the promise starts now – this isn’t some far-off, someday promise. Hebrews 4:7 (msg) God keeps renewing the promise and setting the date as today, just as he did in David’s psalm, centuries later than the original invitation: Today, please listen, don’t turn a deaf ear…”

When I read the verses from John, I can’t help but believe that the condemnation or judgement against us exists not as a consequence as we think of it, but as a fact. For example, when our head goes underwater, we can’t breathe. It’s a fact. Without Jesus, we are the walking dead. “…anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to Him.” -John 3:18 (msg)

“This is the crisis we are in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.” -John 3:19-21 (msg)

We have been invited from death into life – from an illusion into real and eternal Life… and the invitation is for right now. Praise Jesus!

Pics from our very fun adventure yesterday. 

And I am confident I will see God’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord! -Psalm 27:13-14