• "Why is Starbuck's coffee so expensive?”
• "Why can't they make a car that runs on solar energy?”
• "Why are so many politicians so crooked?”
• "Why is the liberal media so afraid of conservative morality?”
• "What is the big deal about American Idol?”
• "Does Desperate Housewives really depict what goes on in middle America?”
• "What really is it about an i-Pod that makes it different than all the other cheaper MP3 players?”

Then there's the question we get from our kids after driving in the car for more than an hour, "How much farther?” It doesn't matter what you say because they just don't understand time and distance! "In a minute” means about as much as "just another 325 miles.” You've been there, haven't you?

When the apostles asked Jesus where he was going and why they couldn't go with him, I suspect his answer posed more of a question than it answered theirs! "Where I am going you cannot follow now, but you will follow later” (John 13:36).

It's like that perplexing question we get, "How much farther?” We know our kids are tired and want to get to Granny's house just as bad as we do, but nothing we say will ease the anxiety and distress of sitting in those uncomfortable car seats! We just hope that our answer will help them hang on just a little bit longer without throwing a temper tantrum and tearing up the back seat! Then finally, after what seems to be an eternity, we arrive, and they run into the arms of Granny and the distress of the trip is wiped away by the reality of the destination! All that special "granny love” makes the trip worthwhile ... until we get in the car and have to go home!

It is difficult to answer their question!

As a spokesman for Jesus I am asked from time to time, "What happens to us when we die? Do we remain in a sleepless state, or do we immediately go to heaven or, God forbid, hell?”

I feel somewhat like a father who tries to explain to his child how much farther it is! Just like a child who has no concept of time and distance, so are we adults in matters concerning eternity and "other worlds.” I can answer my child with "325 miles” and know what I'm talking about because I know how far 325 miles is — I've traveled 325 miles before. However, I have never traveled beyond the grave, nor have I ever heard from anyone who has, except Jesus.

It is difficult to answer their question — until I ask Jesus. For Jesus has made the trip and knows how far it is and has come back to tell us not to be troubled, anxious, or distressed in the back seat. We will arrive soon and the special "God love” on the other end will be worth it all! And until we safely arrive, we are promised that we will never be separated from that love or that Lord! Hallelujah.

The thing I want and hope for is that I will not fail Christ in anything. I hope that I will have the courage now, like always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth. I want to do that if I die or if I live. I mean that to me the only important thing about living is Christ. And even death would be profit for me. If I continue living in the body, then I will be able to work for the Lord. But what would I choose — living or dying? I don’t know. It is hard to choose between living or dying. I want to leave this life and be with Christ. That is much better. (Philippians 1:20-23 ERV)

Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love — not death, not life, not angels or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us — nothing in the whole created world — will ever be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

The Power of Praying Together by Stormie Omartian & Jack Hayford More than just a "how to" book, this book will help us to discover that when we are willing to link our hearts with others before God, we open ourselves up to a wider, more interactive world of prayer.

Joe Bagby has been preaching for thirty years. He and his wife Paula were missionaries to Thailand in the 80's for eight years where they adopted twin girls, Hope and Joy. Joe receive his masters degree in Congregational Ministry from Abilene Christian University with a BS in Education from University of North Texas. He is now serving as Pulpit Minister for the 4th and Elm Church of Christ in Sweetwater, Texas.

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