America is worn out. The year 2020 will go down in history as one of the toughest times in the world and our nation. In America, riots wreak havoc in major cities, we are still in a pandemic, racial tension is at an all time high.

On a personal level, many have lost their jobs. Further, marriages have dismantled as divorce rates skyrocket around the nation. The marginalized in our culture have not only feel they have been pushed closer to the margin, they feel like they have been thrown off the cliff altogether. Parents are worn out. A great number of families are experiencing newfound stress and strife.

So, is there hope for the future? Is the best yet to come, or have we reached the end of the precipice of despair with no way back?

Well, I’m glad to report to you some good news. You may be thinking … well, that’s rare! But it’s true … the best is yet to come! Let me explain …

Where is “best” to be found?

We live in an environment that fosters the idea of instant gratification. We want our internet to work in second, and if it does not we get upset. We want our food fast, or I should say Fast Food, as we go through the drive-thru windows of America. We want answers to political, cultural, and socio-economic issues to be solved immediately. We demand efficiency. If these things, and much more, are not fixed immediately we protest, fight, and demand answers!

Secularism has not improved out lives. Society is ever more divided. Science has improved our lives, but not provided robust existential answers. History is advancing, but progressivism seems to be leading the world into a grim future. Though cries for justice are plentiful. However, morality is now defined by whatever a person decides is right or wrong. Therefore, wrong is right, and right is wrong. Furthermore, in a hyper-individualized society the person becomes the “sovereign-self” (A phrase coined by Tim Keller). The problem? Anything goes if I feel like it. Individuals determine what is morally acceptable. But if everything is relative, then who determines truth?

So what’s the alternative? Where is “best” to be found? The answer is short and simple = Jesus

Best = Jesus

Like a good shepherd, Jesus offers us what is best, namely himself. He came to give us life, and life in abundance (John 10:10). He came to satisfy our thirst (John 4:13–14). He offers satisfaction so that we will never hunger again (John 6:35). He guides us out of darkness (John 8:12). Jesus is not only the way, who leads us into divine reconciliation, but he is also the truth and the life. He is what is best!

Now, though Jesus is what is best and whom is best for us, when it comes to our circumstances, the best is still yet to come. In other words, our circumstances may not seem favorable while on earth, but because of Christ’s salvific work and grace, we can hope for the best future possible (John 16:33).

In him all that is good, all that is perfect, all that is best can be found. But our journey is not yet finished. If you are reading this blog article, it means your journey is not finished. There are only two paths in the journey of life. The path of life leads to eternal salvation. The path of sin and death leads to eternal condemnation. Paul writes, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Do not be fooled! Your life will one day end. The question is … will you spend eternity away from God in Hell, or will you dwell in his presence forever in glory? God’s plans give us hope for the future (Jeremiah 29:11). He promises not to fail us and abandon us (Hebrews 13:5–6). He promises to give us otherworldly peace (Philippians 4:6–7). But most importantly, he offers us himself! Nothing can best God, because God is the best.

And the icing on the cake? He promises the brightest future imaginable. He will one day make all that is crooked straight. He will mend all that is broken. He will shatter all evil, and offer eternal bliss to those who believe in his name (John 3:16-18; Romans 10:5). Our circunstancial best is yet to come. Revelation 21:15 gives us a glimpse,

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” –Revelation 21:15

John was able to see the best God is preparing for us. Note the emphasis on the pronoun “all.” He promised to make ALL things new. When we are finally in his presence in the heavenly city he is preparing for us, our best will finally fully come. The question is … will you be there?

I’m reminded of the words of an old hymn:

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there

When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there

If you have not yet given your life to Christ, I encourage you to do so today. The world offers you despair. It offers you death. Sin entered the world and created the chaos we now experience. In the beginning, our relationship to God was violated. Sin separated us from God, brought about death, and condemned us for all eternity. But, God has provided a way for us to be reconciled to him. Jesus, the God-man, came down to earth, lived a perfect sinless life and then became the perfect sacrifice to atone for our sin. He was crucified, died, was buried, and then rose again from the dead. His work accomplished for us that which we can not accomplish for ourselves. if you repent, confess your sins, and turn to God you will be saved … and as mentioned above … the best is yet to come!

When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there … will you?

Written by Daniel Messina