When one of the patrons walked into Cheers, everyone would shout, “Norm!” Can’t you see Jesus receiving someone into heaven that way? I can envision Him standing there with open arms, saying, “Tammy! I’m so glad to see you. We’ve been waiting for you!” My heart fills with joy to think about the welcome we will be greeted with when we get to heaven. And, unlike the song, we won’t be worrying about all the troubles—they will no longer exist.
Even though this show was set in a bar, I think it unknowingly offered spiritual insight into how we feel as humans. Why do some people navigate to gangs or bars? Why do we join bowling leagues and churches? I think it’s because we all want a place that we can go and feel like we are valued and connected. We like to walk into a group of people and see them recognize our face.
The good news is this: unconditional love and acceptance isn’t just for heaven. We can experience it now, while still here on this earth. If Jesus is our Savior, we belong to Him. God made us to desire fellowship with Him and with others. I believe He wants us to make the church a place where people can go and be loved and accepted just for who they are. When people walk in the door, wouldn’t it be awesome if they were greeted with a “Mary!” or “Joe! We’re so glad you are here.” Won’t they be much more likely to come to Jesus or come back to that church if they are welcomed that way?
God is the only one who can be our constant companion, the One who will never, ever leave us or forsake us. He knows everything about each one of us and loves us more than anyone ever could. 1“O LORD, You have searched me and known me. 2You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. 3You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways.” (Psalm 139:1-3, NAS) He will always be glad that I came into His presence, and He will always know my name. I don’t ever have to worry if I will fit into His “social circle” or not. Everyone—I mean everyone—is welcome in God’s group. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NLT) And, He is the only One who can truly fill that longing for complete acceptance and perfect love. Trust Him to fulfill your every need.
©2010 Tammy Maseberg All Rights Reserved
