I had the opportunity to lead in a memorial celebration a couple of weeks ago for a dear old saint who had passed away.  As we gathered there at Fort Logan National Cemetery, I talked about Jesus’ words in John 14:1-6, where he speaks about the place he is going to prepare for those who follow him.  I was struck anew by the radical claim he makes at the end of the passage: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  If we take Jesus at his word here, we are confronted by an awesome reality that gives us every bit as much comfort as does the promise of heaven itself.  Jesus says he is the way – for those who are lost, confused, and unsure about their direction or their future, he provides real direction and guidance, if only we will see him as our WAY.  Jesus says he is the truth – for those who have been lied to by the systems, values, and people of this world, he provides rock-solid answers as to what life is really about and how to live it with real purpose, confidence, and hope, if only we will see him as our TRUTH.  Jesus says he is the life – for those who are living a zombie-like existence of less-than-real-life, he offers true abundance, joy and vitality for our souls, if only we will see him as our LIFE.

      Keeping this mindset is a particular challenge in a wealthy and self-satisfied culture lke ours.  I have realized that one of my biggest problems is that even though I am in a life that is given over to ”the ministry”, it is shockingly easy to fixate on other things and look in other directions for sources of guidance, truth, and life.  This does not generally happen on purpose, but rather an unintentional slide away from dependence on him takes place in my heart.  Especially when things are going well on the outside, like right now (great things happening in our church, the family happy and healthy, feeling personally fulfilled in my job, enjoying my friendships, etc.), I need to be vigilantly asking myself the question, “Are you still believing and living out the truth that Jesus is your ultimate source, and that he is ENOUGH?”   

     As I helped loved ones say goodbye to Mr. Reuben Norberg on that strikingly beautiful day, in that hauntingly beautiful place, I was powerfully taken back to that place of dependence – realizing that no matter how well I do in my work, no matter how effective my church’s ministry is, no matter how many people like or dislike me, and even no matter how many good deeds I have done to bless other people, ultimately one day it all “goes back in the box” for me (and for each of us).  On that day, it will just be the fact that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, that brings salvation to me.  He is my only hope, and no amount of “success” or “failure” on my part will circumvent that fact.  And the fact is, I do much, much better when I live as if I believe he is my way, truth, and life every day, in the here and now!