We’re nearing the end of the book and so things are wrapping up. This is the last chapter where Mack gets to speak with God face to face and he’s presented with an interesting choice. If he so desired, God would allow him to continue living with him as he was, that is, face to face, in the flesh. What do you think you would do?
Mack knows that along with God, he would join his daughter who had been killed, Missy. If he chose to go back it would be to return to his family and life, but also the pain associated with such an earthly life. Mack struggles with what is a hard decision. He knows God will be with him if he returns, but it will be different. I’m reminded of the story told by a pastor who speaks of going to heaven and coming back in his book, 90 Minutes in Heaven. Say what you will about such experiences, but what do you think you would do. The man in the book says it was one of the hardest things to come back. Mack does choose to return. I think I’d want myself to return, but having experienced God face to face, I’m not sure if I could do it.
This also makes me think during Advent of the way we talk about Jesus coming again. That’s one of the main Advent themes, but I think it’s a hard one for us to connect to in today’s culture. How often do we really yearn for Jesus to come back? What does that say about us?
Just a few thoughts from a quick chapter.
Tags: 90 minutes in heaven, choices, The Shack