"The Perfect Ending"
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"Aragorn looked at the pale stars, and at the moon, now sloping behind the western hills that enclosed the valley. 'This is a night as long as years', he said. 'How long will the day tarry?' 'Dawn is not far off', said Gamling, who had now climbed up beside him. 'But dawn will not help us, I fear.' 'Yet dawn is ever the hope of men', said Aragorn." — J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers
Have you ever noticed that most great stories follow similar patterns? From the classic tales of princesses and knights to modern-day blockbusters about superhumans and Jedi, the narratives begin with an origin story before introducing a conflict. Something has gone horribly wrong. Then there's Act II, the hero's journey into the depths, which requires sacrifice and transformation as the hero does "whatever it takes." But a perfect story needs a perfect ending.
First, the hero usually returns victorious. Second, justice finally comes, as the bad guys face the consequences of their awful deeds. Then the good guys live happily ever after. The end.
It's not surprising then that the most excellent story — the story of Everything — follows that pattern.
The Return of the King
First, the hero of history, Jesus Christ, will return.
"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command …" (1 Thess. 4:16)
Justice For All
Then, God will execute final judgment — bringing perfect mercy, equity, and rightness.
"He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath … For God shows no partiality" (Rom. 2:6-11).
Ever After
With our resurrection and entry into the "new heavens and new earth" (Rev. 21:1-5), the faithful will live forever with God.
"For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality … then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:53-57).
As Christians, we naturally see all beautiful stories as pale reflections, echoing the great story written on our hearts. Even in this world full of strange, cryptic, often terrifying false ideas about what the end will be, the simple, joyful message of Christian hope shines through the pages of Scripture when we take the time to read it.
As you embrace the Bible's teaching on final things, settle into your role here in the middle of the story, never doubting the end that God has promised. Hold onto your hope — your confident expectation — and it will change how you live.
