On May 10, residents in South Georgia had a rare opportunity to view the northern lights. I missed them mainly because I hadn’t heard that we could. The next day, however, was supposed to be another opportunity so I planned to go to a place where the view would have been possible. Some of my family as well as a few neighbors went to our community boat dock to view this event. We waited but didn’t see anything except the usual dark sky, sprinkled with stars. We gave up and went home disappointed.

As I thought about this, I realized that this kind of disappointment could be related to people who live their lives expecting heaven, or such an afterlife comparable to it, only to be disappointed in the end. This would include those who are depending on their goodness or their church membership to receive such a reward. This would include those following after cults or false religions who promise a wonderful afterlife.

The truth of the matter is that the Bible does speak of an opportunity to end up in a wonderful place for eternity.

This same scripture is very clear that the only way to receive it is through accepting the salvation made available by the sacrificial death of Jesus. John 3:16 reveals this truth when it states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”.

I may end up having another opportunity to see the northern lights here in my lifetime or from Alaska or somewhere where it is a regular occurrence. One thing I am promised and have a guarantee for is the fact that I will live for eternity in that wonderful place God has prepared for me as I keep my trust in Jesus. He will not disappoint.