NO TRYOUTS FOR HEAVEN

He who believes in the Son has eternal life.  John 3:36a

A popular TV show for 51 years now is Wheel of Fortune.  Are you successful at guessing the puzzle solutions?  Do you think you have what it takes to get on the show?  In 2012 my wife and I decided on a whim to go to the Wheel tryouts in Washington, PA.  We filled out cards and placed them in a barrel.  Chosen names were announced one by one.  My name was almost the last to be called!  Next was an interview.  I was asked what I did for a living and for fun.  I quickly replied, “I have fun preaching!  In fact, I told this to my congregation just this morning.  You are in a room with three monkeys.  One is holding a banana, one a pen and the other a book.  Which is the smartest in the room?”  The interviewer said, “The one with the book!”  To which I answered, “YOU are in a room with three monkeys…”  The crowd roared!  After numerous tests, I failed the last one and went home with a 2 inch pencil saying, “I tried out for Wheel of Fortune”! 

Where is the spiritual lesson in all of this? God is NOT holding tryouts for heaven but is graciously giving homes in heaven to all who repent of their sins and own ways to get there (Isaiah 53:6) and put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone (John 1:12; 3:16; 3:36).  He is the one and only way to get there (John 14:6).  Eternal life, forgiveness of sin, adoption into God’s family and heaven are His free and gracious gifts (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9) offered to us all.

While I ultimately failed the Wheel of Fortune tryout, I have humbly received God’s gift of eternal life.  How about you?  Quit trying to earn it and simply receive it today.  You’ll be glad you did!

Bob Kulp