The Final Doorway

"A chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." 
2 Kings 2:11 (NIV)

What's your greatest fear about death?

I remember when my term as President of the Southern Baptist Convention ended. As I dropped the gavel, I turned to find my mentor, Dr. Adrian Rogers. Putting his arm around me, he pointed to a door marked "Exit" and said, "James, that is exactly what you are right now—an 'Ex-It.'" Those words reminded me that endings are inevitable, but how you exit matters.

Elijah's departure is incredible—a chariot of fire and a whirlwind carry him directly to heaven without experiencing death. While most of us won't exit quite so dramatically, we all share the same destination.

For those living the God life, death isn't a dead end; it's a doorway. The fears that naturally come—leaving loved ones behind, facing the unknown—lose their power when we recognize what awaits us. The moment you breathe your last breath here, you'll take your first breath in the presence of Jesus.

Your exit from this world is simply your entrance into eternal glory. You don't need to fear it or obsess over it. Instead, you can live each day fully present, knowing your final destination is secure. 

Face each day with the confidence that comes from knowing exactly where you're going—straight into the loving arms of your Savior.

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for your faithfulness, holding my first breath and my last within your loving hands. Thank You that death has lost its sting because of Jesus. Help me live with eternity in view, facing each day with peace and confidence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.