One night my daughters and I went to a concert. On our way in, we saw friends who had front-row seats. We stopped by to hug them—and then went to our seats on the third level.

Though we heard the exact same concert, we experienced it differently. They had a far more personal experience with the performers. We could barely see faces, but we loved the concert anyway. 

Some friends and I joke that, kind of like the concert, we’ll be sitting in the back row of heaven. The front seats are reserved for the good people, the more valuable people. We will still enjoy heaven, but probably not have the same experience.

While we may joke about it, deep down it’s easy for us to worry this might be a reality. Maybe you don’t have the right past or maybe you keep falling into the same sin over and over again so you don’t feel like you really qualify.

In reality, because Jesus took the punishment you deserved, God isn’t pushing you to the back row. “He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

As he’s rejoicing, he invites you to the front row, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant! . . . Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23).

You will be in the front row!