Monday

When Jesus Flew First Class


I’ve often envied first class travelers. 


Gate attendants invite them to board before all the other passengers. Employees greet them by name and always smile. They enjoy perks and privileges like extra-large, comfy seats; their own restroom; and luxury food and beverages. 

By the time ordinary passengers like me trudge our way through their special seating area to economy class, first class passengers have already kicked back and are enjoying a snack. 

On a recent flight from Charlotte to Pittsburgh, I noticed a flight attendant pull a mesh Do-Not-Enter curtain to separate first class from the rest of the plane. Although I could see through the curtain into the cabin, the message was clear—you aren’t allowed in. This area is off limits. 

In some ways, heaven is like first class.

Because of my sin (everything I've done, said, or thought that goes against God’s Word, or the good things that I’ve failed to do), I’m not allowed in. No amount of fast talking or good behavior can earn me a coveted boarding pass that would allow me into that hallowed place. 

One day, however, a man named Jesus saw me through the veil. He wanted me to sit where he sat, with him. 

He rose from his extra-large, comfy seat next to his Father. Stepping out of first class into economy, he walked the length of the plane to the back—the very back—near the restroom where the air was smelly and the turbulence was great.

Laying a gentle hand on my shoulder, he called my name. He reached into his garment and pulled out his boarding pass—the one that said first class. Then he exchanged mine for his, leading me to the front, where he had torn the dividing curtain in half and made a way for me to enter.
 “I can’t pay you for this,” I said. 

“You don’t have to. It’s a gift.” 

And what a gift it was, the privilege of sitting there with Jesus, in the presence of God the Father. Positionally I’m already there— seated with God in heavenly places. 

"And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 5:6).

One day I’ll be physically there, too.

In the meantime, I want to tell everyone I encounter about the Man who left first class to come and fetch me. 

What about you? Have you ever flown first class? If not, I’d be glad to introduce you to someone who’d love to exchange his boarding pass for yours. All you have to do is say yes. 

CLICK HERE for more information on how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. 



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8 comments:

  1. I can't help but think of John 15:13 this morning my friend. Thank you for posting this.

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    1. Amen, J.D. I am humbled anew at his willingness to demean, debase, and deny himself for us. Amazing love, how can it be, that thou my God shouldst die for me.

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  2. Having recently taken SEVEN flights, walking through First Class to reach our economy seats, this post really was vivid to me. What a great application - like a parable. Truly what a remarkable gift it will be to sit in God's presence with Jesus.

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    1. Oh my, yes, Jackie. Not only to enter a place we have no right to be, but to sit there by invitation, knowing Someone has sacrificed so much so we could be there . . . amazing grace.

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  3. Replies
    1. And I love your tender heart, Melissa.

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  4. I flew in last night and at one point I remember leaning over and watching the steward carefully handing the first class passengers nice warm wash cloths. This is a beautiful analogy. Jesus really did exchange his boarding pass for ours. Thank you so much.

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    Replies
    1. Kinda like Someone else I know who knelt down to wash others' stinky, smelly feet, isn't it? Thanks for commenting today, Dee.

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