Confusion will be my epitaph

As I crawl a cracked and broken path

If we make it we can all sit back and laugh

But I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying

Yes I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying

                        – Peter Sinfield from the song “Epitaph” by King Crimson

What is your life like on this side of eternity? Well first, we know it can’t be all bad because we know there is an eternity to be on this side of. There is life over there; there are people over there; there is a God over there and His Son is there waiting for us. Imagine if you didn’t know that and you believed there was nothing on the other side of this life. I think of the line from the King Crimson song, “Epitaph,” Will no one lay the laurel wreath when silence drowns the screams? What a tragic way to go out.

Perhaps that is why our dear savior is quick to provide comfort to us on this side of eternity. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1) And then He went on to say, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2,3)

I love the way Jesus says here essentially, “Would I lie to you?” Of course not, meaning this was not the first time He told them He was going to prepare a place for them in heaven. For Jesus, heaven was as real as earth. He talked about them both all the time. His life was a seamless movement between heaven and earth.

But on this side of eternity, He offered peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” (John 14:26,27)

His peace is not like the world’s peace. The world’s peace so often has to do with circumstances, coping mechanisms, denials, and false hopes. His peace has nothing to do with these things. It operates outside all that. Christ’s peace operates in our hearts by the Spirit in us, in spite of what is going on in the world. It is deep in our hearts and it is greater and more powerful than anything in the world.

Remember, whatever happens on this side of eternity, you will always be where He is.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:26,27)