Welcome to The Pastors’ Post, an update for life at Southern Cross. Last night I had the privilege to join some Christian leaders from across the Northern Rivers at Wollongbar Christian Church to consider how Christian leaders, both young and old, could be raised up to see the gospel proclaimed across the road, across the nation and across the world. It was a hugely encouraging night as Ben Pfahlert, the nation director of MTS, opened up to Mark’s gospel to remind us of Christ’s beautiful call on our life and a vision of the future.

There were lots of take home messages but one that stood out to me was when Ben gave us a visualization of what to expect in heaven. Ben said glory or heaven or the new age is a bit like an airport. I’m kinda thinking “I don’t remember reading that in the Bible anywhere…where is this heading!? But I’ve heard Ben in many contexts around the country and I trust him so I’ll keep listening!”.

So he continued… “it’s like an airport because people will be reunited with warm hugs and also introduced for the first time”. He said he will be united with his spiritual father, a man who opened up Mark’s gospel with Ben, week in week out for over a year. This man introduced Ben to Christ for the first time when Ben was studying engineering at Uni as a 19 year old. He said “I just can’t wait to give him a big hug!”. But he said “wait, there is still more! Not only will I be reunited with him. I will be able to introduce him, to someone I took through Mark’s gospel”. So Ben was able to be part of them getting to know Jesus!! And then, they will be able to introduce Ben to someone, who they took through Mark’s gospel!!! Fantastic isn’t! What an incredible thing to look forward to!! How awesome!!!

Looking forward to that final day, walking into glory, looking across a crowded room, and then people from every tribe, language & nation and seeing your spiritual mother or your spiritual father and being reunited with them, giving them a big hug. And then introducing them, to the spiritual family that was born out of their desire, to make Christ known.

What a hope! What a future!! What a picture of unbelievable joy!!!

Let me read of the apostle Paul’s joy as he considers that day, from 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20:

17 But, brothers and sisters,
when we were orphaned by being separated from you
for a short time (in person, not in thought),
out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.
18 For we wanted to come to you—
certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—
but Satan blocked our way.
19 For what is our hope,
our joy, or the crown in which we will glory
in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?
Is it not you?
20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Thanks for tuning into The Pastors’ Post.