Do we think much about the other side of our death? Paul did. He looked forward to a resurrection where he would be with the Lord. He want to be certain to live all the way to end in a way that was please to the Lord.
There are only two resurrection scenes. One is a resurrection of life, where those will forever be with the Lord in a heaven prepared for them. The other is a resurrection of eternal death where nothing but pain, sorrow and regret will abide. Jesus told us about both of these resurrections and warned us to prepare for the resurrection of life.
We’ve all heard that heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people, this is a true statement. Unless we are obedient and mold our lives to be what God wants us to be we cannot go to heaven in the resurrection. Jesus told a parable about virgins who were waiting on the bridegroom. Some were prepared, having made ready in case there was delay. They brought extra oil for their lamps. Sure enough there was a delay of the wedding party and while they waited half the virgins ran out of oil. They missed the coming of the bridegroom when they went to buy more oil. The Bridegroom refused to let them in.
We come away from that illustration with the lesson that we must always be ready for the return of Christ. Our lives need to be blameless and our souls obedient to the Lord.
Paul was confident in the life he had lived for he was looking forward to crossing over to be with the Lord. He was sure that there was a crown of righteousness waiting for him (2 Tim. 4:8). Paul was looking to a heavenly reward with the Savior he had left all behind to serve.
Now is the time to be making ready for the resurrection, today is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2). It was appointed for man to die once, after that is the judgment (Heb 9:27). It only makes sense to be ready for that death and resurrection. As Moses encouraged those at Ebal, Choose Life (Deut 30:19)!
Worship Thoughts 