While looking at suits I noticed one with four exterior coat pockets. There were the usual three. One on each lower side and the handkerchief pocket on the upper left, but there was a fourth on the right side above the lower traditional pocket. I had no idea what that was. I assumed it was merely for style. My education continued. I learned it is called a ticket pocket. It is for travelers who ride the train. When the conductor comes by asking for your ticket, one does not have to go searching inside pockets. It is outside on the right in the ticket pocket.
If I had such a suit I would write John 5:24 on an index card and put it in the ticket pocket. “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” That’s my ticket out of here. One-way. I am not interested in a roundtrip.
The irony of this coveted ticket is ironic. Initially it is a gift with no strings attached. However, once we have it in our possession something strange occurs inside us. We become overwhelmed by an obligation of love. We feel urges to reach out to aid others. We want to do good things. The feelings seem to intensify from wants to have-tos. Have you ever been in a store and you see something that you absolutely have to buy for someone? It seems to have been made just for them. It fits their personality and they just have to have it. This is the way it is with Jesus. Our urge to be like Him grows into a have-to-be-like-Him. Love and gratitude do that to us.
Written by Roger Bothwell on March 28, 2014
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org