Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President, Dr. Albert Mohler, summarized the ten leading stories of 2011 in his year in review blog (albertmohler.com). The ten stories are: “The Arab Spring” with stories of Mubarak, Gaddafi, and Bashar al-Assad; “Tsunami and Earthquake Kill Thousands in Japan” killing as many as 20,000 people; “The Death of Tyrants and Terrorists” with stories of Gaddafi, Osama bin Laden, Kim Jong-il; “Occupy Wall Street” movement across the nation; “Natural Disasters in the United States” with stories of tornados, earthquakes, and hurricanes; “Sports Scandals Explode” with stories of Barry Bonds and Joe Paterno; “The European Union Fights for Survival” with stories of the Euro and the crisis in Greece; “Political Frustration in the United States” with stories of economic uncertainty and the presidential nominations; “Notable Deaths take the Headlines” with stories of Steve Jobs and other celebrities that have died; and finally, “The Redefinition of the Book and Publishing” with stories of Borders and the digital reading devices.
These events and stories of people—in no doubt, are very important to our world and to our human history. Many people have been impacted by them, and will continue to be impacted them many years from now. Personally, I have been fascinated, and perhaps been impacted, by Steve Jobs’ story in how he was a true innovator of technology. Indeed, we can all think of how each of these events and individuals has impacted our lives to a certain degree.
As I reflect on all of these events, my mind wonders about what God and all of heaven think about all of these so-called “headliners.” Will these events and people be on the front page of their heavenly herald? I doubt it. I think that the news that will be at the front page is the news of people who have reached their lowest point and have cried out to God for His saving grace and deliverance! The news will revolved around people who are turning from their sins and turning toward God. Perhaps, heaven’s newspaper is called “Redemption Herald.” Jesus said in Luke 15, verse 7, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
What about those who have died for their faith this year that we have never heard about? Will they be on a special section on the front page? Yes, I believe that they will be acknowledged before heaven and be given a great reward. The Apostle Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4, verses 6 and 7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” Two notable Christian leaders, John Stott and David Wilkerson, come to mind who also died this year with little media attention. In the world’s eyes, they were “just Christian leaders,” but in God’s eyes, they were men who were used in a mighty way to teach the Bible, and bring people to commit their lives to Christ.
If there is a top ten stories of 2011 in heaven, I doubt that it will be the same as that of the world’s ‘Top Ten.” It would probably be stories that we have never thought about, or even heard of. The more I think about such things, the more I feel so small and insignificant and the more I see how big and how mighty God is.
