I have had the opportunity to attend two graduation ceremonies in the last two weeks. Young people have worked hard and have now moved on to the next phase of their lives. Some would say the easy part is over and I agree. Now life has to be lived in its fullness. Jobs, college, military, families, stress and struggles lie ahead. There will be times of disappointment and heartache. There will be more expenses than income. There will be leaving behind families to make your own way in the world.

I look forward to my graduation. And, someone might say, “Doug, you are sixty years old. What do you mean you look forward to graduation?” The graduation I look forward to will be a release. A release from all the cares that this world has to offer. It will be a release to a place that Jesus, my elder brother, has gone ahead to prepare. He has also promised to come back and get me one day. (John 14:1-6)

I look for the time that I can graduate to the place where there are no more disappointments, discouragements, pain, and crying. You see, all tears will be wiped from my eyes. I look forward to the time that I can actually see God and be with Him eternally.

Yes, I look forward to heaven. God has prepared this place for me and for all of those who have become His followers the way the scriptures teach us to do so. This place God has prepared is for “Whosoever” (John 3:16). God will not save everyone. He will save those who will submit to Him and then live their lives in faithful obedience to His will (Revelation 2:10). If I miss out on heaven it will be no one’s fault but my own. And the same can be said of you. God has provided, through His grace, a way to get to Him. Jesus Christ makes that way available. Will you not choose Him today if you have not already done so? Will you live faithful so you can “graduate” to be with God?