Ruth a member at a former church related that a grade school teacher gave her the impression that her purpose in life was to believe in Jesus, so she could go to heaven.  And the sooner the better.  But, “I haven’t even begun to live yet.”

The teacher neglected our purpose in this life.  According to St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:15, part of our second reading this weekend, our purpose is to increase thanksgiving.  “For this it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving to the glory of God.”  As through us, more and more people hear of Jesus resurrection which leads to our own rising they too will join in thanksgiving to the glory of God.  In 9:11 he writes that the offering he is gathering “for the relief of the saints,” in Judah will also lead to greater thanksgiving to God’s glory.

Therefore, as far as I’m concerned, heaven can wait.  I have a purpose in life right now, to teach, preach and write about the gospel so that people have a reason to join the angel chorus the night of Jesus’ birth in praise and thanksgiving to the glory of God.

Now when we are hitting the road early on Sunday morning, well hopefully with the Holy Spirit’s help and some coffee, I can also join in thanksgiving to God’s glory when we arrive at our destination.