There’s a story about a Christian couple who were returning to the United States after a number of years. They had spent more than 20 years overseas in the mission field. When their ship pulled up to the New York dock, a band was on the pier. The announcement came over the ship’s speakers that everyone should stand by while some “dignitaries” left the ship. A well-known political person left the ship and was escorted down the pier by the band and a group of fans. Then everyone else was allowed to leave the ship. The missionary husband mentioned to his wife that it would have been nice if they were greeted by a band and well-wishers after being away for so long. His wife simply smiled and said, “We’re not Home yet, Dear.” (any emphasis mine)
So many people today are spending their entire lives trying to gain whatever this world has to offer. The only issue with this is, it’s all just temporary. Our absolute nemesis, Satan, is a master at convincing people to believe that all their energy and efforts need to be dedicated to whatever status and pleasures they can find here. Sadly, it will never be enough. When John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) was asked how much money would be enough for the billionaire, his answer was, “One dollar more than I have right now.”
Without being judgmental of Mr. Rockefeller, when he took his last breath on this earth, how much of his fortune was he able to take with him? This same statement can be made for every living soul on this earth. Personally, there is nothing on this earth that I want to come between my Lord and myself.
Every day, I thank the Father for always having supplied my needs. In my younger pre-saved days, there were numerous “greeds” that I desired to have; and today, I am pleased that I was not granted every one of them.
There is a saying that goes along with this. I’ve never seen a U-Haul at a funeral. Our Savior told us that God is aware of all our needs. Matthew 6:7-8; “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” Then Matthew 6:32-33; “For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Once a person develops a relationship with the Savior, and when we come to realize just what He “bought” for us with His precious blood at Calvary, nothing on this earth could ever compare to our gift. Our social status does not impress the Father. Once we have truly received and accepted His Son, we will be granted a forever home in Heaven with all the saints of all time.
Please understand, I am not condemning anyone for what they may have. Only if their possessions control their spiritual lives does it become a real problem. Jesus knew this well, as given in Matthew 19:24; “Again, I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God.” He did not say “impossible,” but extremely difficult.
Our Salvation cannot be bought at any price, and we could never do enough “good deeds” to earn it. Ephesians 2:8-9 is a favorite illustration for me; “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the will of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
One popular parable given by Jesus was about the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. The rich man wined and dined all his life on earth, and his wealth was what was most important to him. Lazarus didn’t have two pennies to rub together, but apparently, he had a heart that was right with God. After their deaths, their fortunes reversed. The rich man was now the one in torment, and Lazarus was in paradise. Instead of a few years that we have on this earth, now it was forever, and for the lost, there is no hope.
For all believers, we long to hear the Trumpet of God and the shout from the archangel. Then, we will be going to our forever Home. All the signs today indicate this is not very far off. A song written by C. A. (Aaron) Wilburn and Edwin Crook called “That Sounds Like Home” has been recorded by numerous artists, and it puts a longing on my heart to be there.
1.) Somewhere just across the Jordan River is a place of everlasting joy and peace. Where the stream of life is flowing there forever, and the Crown of Life is waiting there for me.
Ref.) That sounds like Home to me. Right where I want to be. There’ll be no tears to fill our eyes again; the hills will echo with the story as we sing of His grace and glory. Where the saints of God will be, that sounds like Home to me.
2.) Oh, they say there’s only joy inside that city and little children playing by the Tree of Life. No pain, no disappointments there will hurt us. And Jesus Christ Himself will be the light. (ref x2)
As I have told people, I am not a very patient person. Just knowing what lies ahead gives me a “wanna be there now” feeling. And even so, we can never know exactly how awesome it will be there until we have seen Jesus face to face.
To make your reservation, if you haven’t already done so, please go to Romans 10:9-13 for the simple steps. Once a person truly receives and accepts Jesus as their Savior, their eternal address will change for the better. All who reject Him will be condemned to the lake of fire with Satan forever (Revelation 20:11-15).
Jesus is waiting for your call (Romans 10:13). He will gladly prepare a place for you (John 14:1-3). Today would not be too early. Please don’t be one who hesitates and loses the opportunity when the Rapture takes place. It will be at just any time now.
Hope To See You There!