Is This All There Is?

“Is this all there is?” said the middle-aged man, arms outstretched, gazing at the world around him. He was only a few yards away, and his question was obviously directed at me and my friend.

“Well, no. Actually there’s ...” I was about to share with him the wonders of knowing that we’re loved, accepted and forgiven by the Creator of the Universe, when he explained that he lived on the far side of the city, and being bored one day, he’d asked a friend to suggest somewhere more inspiring that he could visit.  So, he’d travelled for an hour and a half by tram to see the town centre suggested by his friend, who obviously hadn’t been to this side of the city for many years. All he could see were pubs, churches, a bus station and a decaying shopping mall with many empty shops and a few that were somehow managing to survive. What a disappointment!

Life is like that for many people. Just like that man, when searching for hope, self-worth and meaning in life, we often look in the wrong places; we follow the crowd, but inside we feel empty.

The good news is that whoever we are, we are loved by God. He has a purpose for us, and His desire is for us to know Him and to live a fulfilled life, both now and throughout eternity. Jesus made this possible 2,000 years ago by dying in my place and yours on a Roman cross, paying the price for our wrongdoing. Rising from the dead three days later, he proved that life after death is available for all who will receive His forgiveness and give Him first place in their lives. Jesus said:

Why not thank God for His love for you, for supporting you as you journey through this troubled world, and for sending Jesus to take away all that separates you from Him?