A GLIMPSE OF THE OTHER SIDE
The Resurrection of Jesus stands firm as a transformational fact holding within it the greatest hope for time and eternity that humanity can ever know. This event was reinforced by His resurrected appearances over a period of forty days speaking about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3-8).
When Jesus Christ reappeared to his disciple, to the inner circle of women, and to the 500 brethren (I Corinthians 15:6), Jesus brought each of these people face to face with the reality of the other side.
Why was Stephen so full of power during his stoning? I believe it was because he looked up to heaven and saw the Lord on the other side (Acts 7:54-60). What gave Paul the courage to proclaim the resurrection even after he was arrested, stoned, and imprisoned? I think it was the result of Paul being caught up to the third heaven and seeing and hearing inexpressible words from the other side (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).
Jesus’ resurrection teaches us that we can expect personhood on the other side. Mary Magdalene recognized Jesus by his voice when he called her by name (John 20:16). The two disciples on the road to Emmaus recognized Jesus by his actions when he blessed and broke some bread (Luke 24:30-32). Jesus miraculously appeared to the 11 disciples, gathered in fear behind locked doors, and showed them his hands and feet. Later, the apostle John recognized Jesus when, after catching no fish all night, Jesus gave one simple command which resulted in a supernatural catch of fish which was beyond the ability of the disciples to haul in (John 21:5-7.)
Not only do we have personhood on the other side, but we also have a new home. In John 14:1-3, Jesus promised the disciples that he was going to prepare a place for them and then come and return for them. His words provided needed comfort and encouragement to the troubled hearts of the disciples. We are only given a glimpse of the other side from Revelation chapters 21 and 22, but it is enough to create an expectation that far exceeds the most exciting and wonderful experiences that we can imagine now.
On the other side, we will be rewarded for our selfless service for Jesus (I Corinthians 3:12-14) and even given crowns to cast at the feet of our Lord (Revelation 4:9-11). Paul said in 2 Timothy 2:12, “If we endure, we will also reign with him.” The apostle John concluded his description of the other side by proclaiming: “They (the Lamb’s bond-servants) will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5).
Once we wake up to the reality of the other side, we begin to see how it changes life on this side. In view of eternity, I can make different choices about time and money and career. I can make enlightened decisions about comfort and convenience. When we realize that our final gain is there and then, we are free to live for Christ here and now. Missionary Jim Elliot, who was martyred for his faith in Ecuador, said: “He is not fool who loses what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
