Going Home

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

I just had a zoom meeting with three of my closest friends and brothers last week. One of them was very near the end of a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. He was in bed and on oxygen, but able to converse haltingly, yet, very clearly with us. We were all college roommates and football team colleagues 56 years ago. We have remained close, especially in the last 15 years or so.

We shared some of our joint experiences over again, but mainly talked about and expressed our love for one another. We talked about our concern and wonder at each “keeping the faith” to the end of our lives with the purposeful intent of receiving a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4), but also very aware we do not deserve it. It was a tearful last conversation with our brother on this side of heaven.

It seems we will not converse with him for awhile, but that is not true in the proper perspective of time here or in eternity. The blip of time passes very quickly, in all consideration, for we will reconnect as though no time had passed when we all meet in the courts of heaven. “Soon and very soon” the chorus goes, and expresses the truth about such separations and reunion, as well as Christ’s return.

These wonders of modern day technology afford us blessings like this not enjoyed in past times. These very wonders may also speed the Lord’s coming in terms of a promised world evangelization. They may even allow for “every eye” to see the Lord return to earth as Revelation 1 describes. But God can make such happen without human technology. It, also, certainly affords close fellowship with friends and family when separated by many miles.

“Going home” awaits us all. It is not a day, perhaps, known to you now, but every day of your life has already been ordained for you by a Sovereign God (Psalm 139). He knows “your day!” And you will not stay here one day beyond it. All the more reason for you to be especially close to the Ordainer of your days. Your life is truly in His faithful hands.

Going home should not be a fearful thing. As Paul expresses, it is a far better thing than to remain here. But it should be something anticipated with great joy, rather than dread. To die is gain, not loss!

Unless, you are not spiritually prepared. This is the very reason to have the promised assurance of eternal destination.

My dear friend had such assurance, as certain as the sun rising tomorrow. He knew beyond a shadow of doubt his eyes would see his Savior right when they finally closed on earth. In that immediate moment they would open gazing on his Redeemer’s face. Such assurance can be yours.

He is now with his Savior in glory! Do you have his assurance?

Encouragement

“Hold Thou thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies: heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee: in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.”