A mile from Paradise

I had a great visit with a gentleman yesterday who, when I asked where he was from replied, "A mile from Paradise!" I remarked that I didn't know we were that close. He chuckled, but I have a feeling he'd heard that before. This is a picturesque area of Illinois, and the little town of Paradise has historic roots. It was there, Don told me, that a younger Abe Lincoln took on all-comers in a wrestling match -- and won! He told me, too, about growing up along the headwaters of the Little Wabash River, and his days in various industrial enterprises in the region over many years. Except for 21 months, when he was away in the military, Don has spent his life pretty much "a mile from Paradise." He and his wife of 54 years have raised a wonderful family and are happy in their church and community. As I thought about it, he probably is about as close to Paradise as any of us get in this life.

I was reminded of the occasion in the Bible when Jesus was approached by a fellow who wanted to know what was necessary to inherit eternal life. When Christ probed a little bit, the man indicated that he had been faithful to observe the divine commandments, and was clearly devout. Christ said, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." Not far. And yet, not quite there.

Some of us are living just a mile or so from Paradise, spiritually speaking. To attain the blessing of eternal life calls for more than right living, more even than obedience to the divine commandments. It requires faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.