Daniel 12:1-3; Hebrews 10:11-25; Mark 13:1-13
The most terrifying roller coaster ride I've ever had wasn't on a state-of-the-art ride that puts riders through loops, corkscrews, or other upside-down experiences. It was on a classic wooden roller coaster called the Blue Streak at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio which, unlike modern coasters that securely strap the rider in, it didn't have fitted seats, restraining straps, or padded security bars. Instead it had low-backed, bench seats and plain pull down bar that didn't even touch our legs. I was certain that I was going to be thrown from the car during the ride. The coaster was frightening because it didn't have anything to hold onto.
Like a roller coaster, life has its twists and turns, ups and downs, and thrilling times along with moments of terror. How well we handle the roller coaster-like rides of our lives depends on what we have to hold onto. Sadly, most people in our society hold onto worldviews, values, priorities, and morals that leave them without anything solid or secure when life starts going downhill fast and runs through twists, turns, and loops. They look for something — anything — to grab and hold onto for dear life. But the world can’t offer anything secure enough to keep them from being thrown into despair, depression, or personal ruin. Seeing this happen in the lives of other people should reinforce for us how blessed we are as Christians to have safe and secure anchors to hold onto when life is troubling — and remind us of where to turn when our lives become turbulent.Holding onto the grace, mercy, righteousness, and promises of Jesus is critical to dealing with the roller coaster ride of living in our fallen world. Holding onto Him for eternal life is even more critical. There is nothing else to hold onto when the “multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake.” Even before the day when all flesh will be resurrected “some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt,” eternal life will hang in the balance. People will come to deceive others, attack the truth, and deny the realities of heaven and hell. The world will plunge into the chaos of natural and man-made disasters. Everything the world has to offer for safety and security will crumble. Even then, Jesus, who promises that “he who stands firm to the end will be saved,” will be there for you to hold onto for your life.
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