Sermon snippet – Simply Heaven – Part XIX
INTRODUCTION – Those of you who have known us for a while probably remember Charlie, the best dog ever. Among his many endearing traits was his fascination with retrieving a ball. He would lie with a tennis ball between his paws or stand with it just in front of his head, stare at it, with the occasional askance glance to the nearest person, and hope that someone would throw it or kick it. He would charge off after it (unless it went into the road, for he was too intelligent to go there), bring it back, and start the process all over again. What does this pleasant memory have to do with Colossians 3:1-4? Like that bouncy black dog, we need to be able to focus on what matters. If an animal can display such rapt attention, certainly we should be able to “set [our] affection on things above.”
- TO ENSURE OUR PLACE IN HEAVEN, WE NEED JESUS
The first part of verse 1 states the condition for access to heaven: we must “be risen with Christ.” “Risen” points us to the resurrection of Jesus (which, logically, leads us back to His death on the Cross and to His burial). I Corinthians 15:3-4 provides us with a succinct statement of the Gospel message, and verses 19-20 point out that without Jesus’ resurrection we are hopeless. However, because He has “risen from the dead,” we know that He is “the first fruits,” with many more to rise through faith in Him. May each one of us state unequivocally (and vocally – “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so” – Psalm 107:2a) that our faith is solely in Jesus. We have every good reason to believe in Him, including His empty tomb.
- TO ENJOY THIS CERTAINTY OF HEAVEN NOW, WE NEED FOCUS
“Seek” is a present imperative and commands us to constant intensity. “Set” is likewise a strong word, indicating a fixed focus. If we take the time and energy to think about “those things which are above,” we will be heartened and encouraged. We will be reminded of Christ’s sovereign reign over all things (for He “sitteth on the right hand of God [the Father]”). Furthermore, we will learn more of the character of Jesus; “above” indicates heaven, what we experience “on the earth.” Moreover, the presence of Jesus Christ will become increasingly precious. Verse 3 takes two words that are usually negative (“dead” and “hid”) and transforms them into soaring strength as we are assured of Jesus’ closeness at all times. Verse 4 provides the culmination of Christ’s closeness: He “shall appear” and take us to be with Him forever in heaven. Even in the midst of hardships, we can enjoy these good things that can never be taken from us.
CONCLUSION – Our dog Charlie did not always play ball; he slept, ate, went running with my wife, and opened his Christmas presents. However, he always wanted to play ball, and he always returned to his tennis ball with the same focused attitude. Similarly, may we frequently “seek those things which are above” and “set [our] affection on things above.” We will be consistently blessed as we focus on our future and final destination.