Do You Believe this??
JOHN 11:25-26
We've probably all had the experience of being on a long trip or vacation. We've enjoyed ourselves and there are often some things we hate to leave, but we know that we must return to our daily lives and routines and so we begin the long trip home.
Sometimes it goes smoothly but often there are problems, traffic jams, detours, delayed flights, missed connections, flat tires and things we've never expected and we are weary. But finally we reach our destination - home! It is where we belong.
And that is so much like our eternal journey. Now we are pilgrims here, but this isn't our real home. And there are things here that we enjoy, especially family members and friends. But eventually life leads us to our final destination - our eternal home.
The final journey may be rough with illness, physical difficulties, worries, heartaches, disappointments and probably even some pain. But then comes the anticipated conclusion- we are finally home!
Musician, Don Wyrtzen pictured that moment with his exciting words,
- "Just think of stepping on shore, and finding it heaven. Of touching a hand, and finding it God's. Of breathing new air, and finding it celestial. Of waking up in Glory, and finding it Home."
What an amazing experience that will be. Wyrtzen pictures this life as a restless, tempestuous sea, and that is a good description of this life, especially in light of current events. And believers do look forward to that day when we will be with Jesus.
Still, if you're like me, sometimes you may wonder how the final journey will be. Will it be quick like like it was for my brother, Joe. I spoke to him an hour before he died and he said he felt great and had plans to go out and play disk golf -- two hours later he was pronounced dead. Will it be long like my dad who went into the hospital on October 3, 1990, stayed in the hospital for months only to come home and die within 2 weeks. My mom on the other hand lived to be 89, she survived breast cancer for 18 years and died in her sleep.
We have no idea how our journey will be, but we do know that the Lord will be with us to comfort us, strengthen us, and guide us to our final home. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us and He keeps His promises.
Someday we will finally be home and what a day that will be! It will be worth it all when we see Jesus! Most of us will have it difficult when we lose someone we truly love and respect.
Friends say Don Wyrtzen was gifted and humble. He arranged and composed over 400 anthems and sacred songs. Over two million of his musicals and cantatas have been sold. Nonetheless this week's featured song has to be one of his finest.
Take time this wee to think about the words and the truth of the message that they share. Live in anticipation of that day when you step on shore and find it to be heaven.
I trust you have put your faith what Christ has done for you on Calvary and that you have the assurance that one day you too will finally be home where Christ today is preparing a place for you!
BELOW: Finally Home