Luke 20:34-36

As we near the end of both the calendar year and the church year, our thoughts turn toward the end of the world, toward eternal things. Jesus is talking about eternal things in these verses. He says, "But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age."

Am I considered worthy? I try to live in a way which is good and God-pleasing, but the reality is that I fail over and over again. I try to be unselfish, but if I'm honest with myself, I see that many (most? all?) of my life's decisions are selfishly motivated. I try to focus on the eternal things, but I get so easily distracted by the things of this world. I try to show love for my fellow human beings, but so often I find myself angry at them, or frustrated by them, or looking down on them. I don't like that picture of myself, but unfortunately, it's true. When I think about who I am and what I've done, what chance do I have to be considered worthy of going to heaven?  
 
Thankfully, that's exactly where Jesus comes in! Jesus came to this world not because we were good people, but because we were bad people, sinful people who needed a Savior. And Jesus came to save us! His death on the cross paid for all my unworthiness; his perfect life is credited to my account. So now, because of Jesus, God looks at me as being worthy! No, not because of who I am, but because of who Jesus is and because of what Jesus did in my place.  
 
So, I can look forward to eternity in the glory of heaven together with all of God's family of believers! It will be great! And I'm going, because Jesus earned my way in!