~*+My Journey Before Heaven+*~

Many people believe in this. It seems to be the most noticeable trait that the whole world acknowledge. It has branches, most notably karma. Righteousness is something many Chinese people tend to believe. You do good things you get good luck AND go to heaven. You do bad things you get bad luck AND go to hell. Even the bible says that our Father is righteous. Then many people argue that he’s not. How can a person be righteous and merciful at the same time? Quite contrasting these two. Jesus and God forgave sinners. Merciful as they are many people cannot see the justice. I got a friend who does not believe in any religion, but knows there is a God. He told me, ” No. I will not believe. I believe in righteousness, and that I should go to hell for my sins.” Heck, he’s quite right. Many of us do deserve to. So where’s the righteousness if these people are going to heaven just by believing in Christ? Well people, let me bring you all to what made believing in Christ righteous.

Remember those Chinese dramas we liked to watch? Those with kings ruling over China, who need to maintain a righteous stance. Why we call him king? Cause he’s the ruler obviously. Who dares to oppose someone of such great power? Well, there seems to be one particular general that he likes ALOT. This general, let’s call him ‘A’, has won many battles for the king, and has been loyal to him since their humble beginnings. Then, the other magistrates are jealous of this A whom the king liked so much. So, by some method unknown to light, they got A drunk, got him to rape some married women, kill some hapless guys and then the next day arrest him and brought him to the presence of the king. Well, sounds like Satan? He tempts you, and when you take the bait, he puts all the sin and shame on you.

Continuing on. Then, these magistrates slate A in front of the king like he’s worth 2 pennies. Ok,  let’s throw in a stick cause he’s a war general. 1 pen for the horse, 1 pen for him. Heck, two pennies for the horse. “King, his actions has tainted your hallways and the whole castle! Your reputation has been destroyed by this womanizing murderer! He deserves nothing but death! Kill him with this sword!” Low and behold! They got the sword ready. Figures. The king hesitates.

He is my most trustworthy general! How many battles have he helped me won.

“Lord, he has murdered!”

But without him, I will not be where I am!

“He raped married women! He deserves to DIE! There is no other alternative!”

Must I kill him just to prove my righteousness?

“Prove your righteousness  my lord! Kill him!”

The general can only stare back, waiting for his deserved punishment. True he was MADE to do it, but in then end, all that matters is that we did it. We are like A, lambs to slaughter.

Then, love and righteousness wilder than oceans was born. After much hesitance, the king picks up the sword, gives it one hefty swing, and stabs…… HIMSELF.

“!!!Lord, what do you think you are doing?!?!”

“His (A’s) punishment will be dawned by me!This sword is his deserved punishment, but I will take it in his place!”

The blood of the king flows profusely out of his chest. All in presence witness in bewilderment, touched by his grace.

“I have taken his punishment! Anyone here feels this is less then he deserves? I will take more!” Silence.

“Then hence forth I give you(A) this mian2 shi3 jing1 pai2 (death immunity gold bar…literal translation). Your punishment has been seen to!”

Then general A has only two choices. 1) Accept the immunity. 2) Take his death.

Tears flowing down his face, he picks up the mian2 shi3 jing1 pai2, and shouts praises to the king,

“Long live his majesty!” Everyone else repeats.

“Long live his majesty!”

Isn’t that what the Lord has done for us? Satan approaches. Jesus steps in by coming to earth.

“But they are sinners!” Thak! Left arm.

“They are unworthy!” Thak! Right arm.

“They deserve hell!” Thak! Legs.

With the blood of the lamb flowing out, he gives Satan the look. “Now they deserve heaven.” Now that’s mercy AND righteousness.

We are like the general. Two choices. Either ignore, or pick up the ticket to heaven, and worship his majesty.

Majesty, majesty.

Your love has found me just as I am,

Empty handed but alive in your hands.