What’s your ultimate destination? If you’re thinking of traveling to some of the most beautiful places in the world, it might be Cappadocia, Turkey, where entire cities are beautifully carved into
rock. Or maybe you’d love to sit beneath the Benagil Sea Cave in Algarve, Portugal, enjoying the exquisite beach with cool water lapping at your feet. Some people would be dazzled by the limestone cliffs and pristine lagoons on Palawan Island in the Philippines.
There is a trail outside of Los Angeles called the Ultimate Destination that is just over half a mile long and has sweeping views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Immigrants escaping war-torn countries have ultimate destinations in places like Europe and North America. The word “ultimate” is defined as the furthest or highest in degree. Many people wrestle with their ultimate destination beyond life on earth and wonder, “What happens next? Do I have a choice in where I go?”
The apostle Paul had an ultimate destination before dying. He was compelled to witness for Christ in Rome, which at the time was the centre of the world. The Bible explains, “Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome’ ” (Acts 19:21). In Acts 23:11, the Lord confirmed this desire at a time when Paul’s life was being threatened in Jerusalem. The last chapter in the book of Acts reveals that he finally reached his ultimate earthly destination.
As Christians, our ultimate destination beyond this world is to enter the gates of heaven. Like Paul, our journey will be marked with trials and setbacks. Yet we may be of good cheer and look “for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
Precious Jesus, as I travel toward my ultimate destination, to be with You in heaven forever, hold my hand tightly.
For Further Study: Acts 28:11–31; 18:9, 10; 22:17–21; 2 Tim. 4:6–8
