The End

Those two words often bring a contented sigh: “What a great story.”  Or an incredulous gasp: “It can’t end there!”
One the best things for those looking to be entertained is not knowing the end.  Why else would we call it a “spoiler”? 
But for those who are truly invested (such as I am with my NFL team), knowing the end makes the story or the game even more enjoyable because fear is removed.   If I know my Bills have won the game, I can watch without sweating the broken plays, fumbles, interceptions, and blown calls because I know ultimately – we win.  And (really) how much is a football game worth? 
Well, guess what?  We have the greatest spoiler ever!  Here is the trailer version:
The Rightful Ruler of this world is Jesus Christ.  He came the first time as a humble Servant, Shepherd and Savior.  When He returned to heaven, He promised to return in power and glory.  Only this time He would be flanked by armies of angels – who will never have to fight because at word of Jesus, which created the world, the world will be again subjugated to the Lord as it was created to be (Philippians 3:21).  The rebels will be banished never to rise again.  The redeemed will be revealed never put to shame again.  Perfection will be restored forever and a day.
That knowledge should result in a cascade of fruit.  Peace – God is sovereign.  Hope – heaven is guaranteed.  Joy – look what you are promised to inherit!  Right priorities – we know what matters in the end.  Telling and encouraging others – maybe they would like that peace or hope or joy?  
This is not a new argument.  Peter and Paul both beat me by about 2,000 years (1 Peter 1:3-9 and Romans 8:16-18).  For all their differences, they came to the same conclusion: There is nothing in this life to be compared to the gain of heaven. 
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18
It is worth it…all.