“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭20‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Would you like to go to the Laker game tonight?”

Those were the words on the other end of the phone call. I said, “Are you kidding? Of course!” I’d figure out how to make it right at home, but all I knew was that I was going to the Laker game!  

My buddy said, “I’m already downtown, so I’ll meet you at the game. I’ll leave your ticket at the will-call window. See you at our seats.” Not a problem. I didn’t care how I got in as long as I got in! 

As the evening approached, two things began to build – my excitement and my concern. I was excited to watch the game live and in person and was concerned about getting in. No disrespect to my friend giving me the ticket. I just know “things happen.” He could get caught in traffic. What if I got there first and had to wait outside? The will-call window attendant could lose it, misplace it, possibly steal it, sell it, and leave me in the cold. (I’m a bit of a pessimist!)

So it was with great fear and trepidation that I drove to downtown Los Angeles – praying this would all work. I parked my car half a mile away, walked quickly through the masses, and made my way to the will-call window with the other cautiously hopeful fans wondering if their ticket would also be there. I waited in line, and when it was my turn, I crossed my fingers, walked up to the window, and said, “I have a ticket left for me.” Then they said, “What’s the name?” The search for my name and my ticket began.

This is how most of us view getting into Heaven. 

We stand there, cautiously hopeful, fingers crossed, hoping they find our name on a long list in the book of life. John sees this book in his revelation.

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭20‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do you view that moment?

A chance to plead your case? 
“Let me tell you all I’ve done to deserve to be here.”

A chance to beg for mercy? 
“Can you please let me in?”

The truth is that all that matters at that moment… is the same thing that mattered for me at the game. “What’s the name?”

John knew that. As he sees the book of life come out, he knows. There is only one name that gets any of us in. Only one name that saves us. Only one name that secures our place in Heaven. And it’s not ours. It’s His. It’s the name we’ve lived under and for during our life. It’s the name we’ve put our trust in. It’s the name of Jesus.  

John has been describing Him in all of his writings. 

The Word, God, Lamb of God, Messiah, Bridegroom, Living Water, Savior of the World, Prophet, Bread of Life, Light of the World, Door, Good Shepherd, Resurrection, the Way, the Truth, the Life, and the True Vine.

It’s not a magic word to get us in. It’s the person who has paid our way in. 

Oh, in case you’re wondering. I got into the game. It turns out I had nothing to fear – the person I was with was trustworthy.  

John says, so is Jesus.

Today’s prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for writing my name in the book of life.