June 21

The Other Side

When that evening came, He said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side.” — Mark 4:35 BSB

Jesus continually calls us to step over some line into new experiences, new privileges, new duties, new conflicts, and new joys. He extends this call in various ways throughout our lives.

He speaks to those who have not yet believed, graciously inviting them to become His disciples. He asks them to leave behind their sins, their attachment to this world, and their old, dead past and rise up to follow Him into a better life. He invites them into His Father’s family and to enjoy the blessings of His kingdom. True, there is a sea to cross before reaching it. No one can enter the glorious life on “the other side” without crossing the sea, and this crossing comes with storms—temptations, self-denials, struggles, and sorrows. But the reward is so great that we should be willing to endure any hardship to attain it.

Christ extends the same call to His people at the end of earthly life, when He calls them home. Before them lies the sea of death, which seems dark and terrifying. They may fear crossing it, but there is no real danger. On the other side, glory awaits—the Father’s house with many mansions. Though the sea may seem fearful, Jesus Himself accompanies His people across, and none of them will perish. However, to receive this final call to eternal glory, we must first answer the call to leave behind the life of sin and embrace the new life of holiness.