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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: TOURIST ATTRACTION(S) (natural or man-made) (08/06/15)
“EARTH AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION FOR JESUS AND CHRISTIANS”


According to Cambridge Dictionaries on line, the definition of Tourist Attraction is:

“A place that people visit for pleasure and interest,
usually while they are on holiday.”

That definition makes Earth a “Tourist Attraction” for Christians, and Jesus as well. Jesus said in John 8:23 (kjv) “...I am not of this world.” In John 18:36a (kjv), Jesus said “...My Kingdom is not of this world.”

Jesus said in John 14:2 (kjv) “In my Father's house are many mansion, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” This substantiates that the Earth is not our home, we are but passing though – this “Tourist Attraction”.

In John 14:3 (kjv) Jesus says: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and received you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also.”

So if Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us to be where He is; then where is that? Where is He now? Those are important questions. Hebrews 12:2 (kjv) gives us the answer. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our Faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the same, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” So the next question becomes, where is the throne of God?

In Matthew 6:9 (kjv) as Jesus was telling us how we should pray, He said where God is then and now. He said: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which are in Heaven, Hallowed be thy Name.”

So how would this be a “Tourist Attraction” for Jesus based on the definition above (a place visited for pleasure and interest while on holiday - from everyday life and home)? I'm guessing here – but for Jesus, the pleasure (while He was here on Earth) had to be in seeing people of all kinds come to believe in Him as the Son of God. I'm sure He derived great pleasure from sharing God's Word and teaching the people the things of God's Kingdom. Disciplining those around Him so that that the work of The Lord would be carried on even after He left had to be rewarding. Seeing people restored to health, blind eyes opened, deaf ears to hear again, and the joy of all those miracles carrying over to the families and friends of those healed had to give Him pleasure. But, I believe that nothing gave Jesus more pleasure that seeing hard hearts softened and melted with the truth of The Gospel, people turning from their sins and following after the one true God. I believe communing with His Heavenly Father through Prayer and learning the Father's Heart so that He could follow-through with God's will gave him pleasure. It's like us using cell phones today (not texting), and hearing that familiar voice on the other end of the line. The interest Jesus had then, and today, in coming to this “Tourist Attraction” called Earth is the souls of mankind and being obedient to complete what His Heavenly Father sent Him to do.

“EARTH AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION FOR JESUS AND CHRISTIANS”

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How, then, would Earth be a “Tourist Attraction” for the Christians? Once a person receives Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord, the Living Jesus takes up residence in them through the power of The Holy Spirit. They become very aware that this place is not their home. The true Christians can do no less than following in the footsteps of Jesus and allow the things that gave Him pleasure to give them pleasure as well.

The true Christian takes great pleasure in knowing that one day (a day that only God knows the day and hour of), Jesus will come back to this “Tourist Attraction” called Earth again. This time it will be to receive His children unto Himself, so that we may all be with Him in Heaven for ever.

What a glorious thought and promise! May we all be ready to leave this “Tourist Attraction” called Earth and go to Heaven to be with Jesus forever, no matter when He comes again. Grant it please, Heavenly Father, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

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Member Comments
Member
Date
Bonnie Bowden 
08/15/15
I really liked your choice of title. I'm glad we're just passing through.
Allison Egley 
08/17/15
I, too am glad we are "just passing through."

Generally speaking, dictionary definitions are not a good "hook" to get people really into your piece. You might want to consider starting with a story or illustration of some sort.

There are some great reminders here.