Absolute truth has become something that is thought of in the same terms as the Tooth Fairy: A nice idea but not real. I feel for people that believe that. My heart hurts for them.

I live in the certainty of an absolute truth: I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I’m not talking about any congregation provided housing, or even a sanctuary where God’s people worship. I am thinking about heaven. I am absolutely certain that I will live in God’s presence forever.

I’m not certain I will be there because I am a good pastor, often I am not. I am not confident I will be there because I am a good husband or father, often I am not. I am not certain I will be there because I have always tried hard to do what God want, often I do not. I am not certain because of anything in me. If I look only at me I am filled with only immense uncertainty!

I am certain I will be in heaven because of Jesus.

My Good Shepherd laid down his life for the sins of the world (that includes me). My Good Shepherd kept the law perfectly in the place of all people (that includes me) because God demands holiness to be in his presence. Jesus is my holiness! I was clothed with that holiness at my baptism. My Good Shepherd sent the Holy Spirit into my heart to give me the gift of faith in Jesus. The Spirit gives me a confidence in an absolute truth that exists outside of me. Through faith in Jesus I know that I will dwell in house of the Lord forever. This truth shapes how I want to make every effort to share it with others who live in the deep shadows of uncertainty. I feel for them. I have the answer for them. I want to share it with them.

How about you?

Psalm 23:6

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.