People think salvation is about going to heaven. It’s not. It’s about heaven living in us. His name is Jesus.

10 Listen, my child, accept what I [Solomon, son of David] say, and the years of your life will be many. 11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

The apostle Paul sure had a way with words. Let’s look at one of his one-liners that pretty much sums up the Gospel,

⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

This verse is the very definition of grace. Jesus knew what we needed: We needed a fresh image of God, a renewed image, a clear image. In fact, to see Jesus is to see God (John 14:9). He knew we were impoverished; He tells us as much in Revelation 3:17, “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” He knew we wouldn’t turn to Him, so He came face-to-face with us. He cleared every obstacle out of the way so that we could see Him clearly–even the obstacle of death!

How do we become rich? By hearing of His forgiveness and believing it. He is waiting to pour out all kinds of spiritual blessings on those who will let Him. He wants to give us life in Him, with Him. I know what you’re thinking, “This sounds like a salvation pitch.” Actually, it’s for Christians and non-Christians alike. It’s an everyday decision. To walk with Jesus IS salvation. To trust in Him–daily–is to have life eternal. Martha didn’t have to worry about the Resurrection because Jesus IS the resurrection; He IS life (John 11:23-27).

That goes for us, too.

Abba, thank You for leaving Your throne in heaven to come to earth as a man. Thank You for sharing in our poverty so that we can share in Your riches. May we do so every day. Amen.