Where is Home Really?

Having been a Christian for many, many years, I've been secure in the knowledge that when I die I will go to heaven to be with God for eternity. In John 14:1-3, Jesus promises that He is going to prepare a place for us (those who believe in Him), that where He is, we can be also. When my father passed away a couple of years ago, it was a great comfort to know that he was with Christ in Paradise immediately after his final breath.

It's not been until the past several years that I've really given much thought to actually leaving this earth and going to heaven. But with the world seemingly beginning to spin out of control, sometimes it feels as though it would be so much better and easier if we could just pass over the "rough stuff" and fast forward into eternity. Not with suicidal intention, but I found my heart beginning to long for heaven -- to look forward to the day when I could experience the fulfillment of the hope that is within me - the same hope that is now reality for my dad.

I have also come to realize, however, that life on this earth is truly a gift from God. Every new baby that voices its first cry is a precious creation of God's hand, and each of us has been brought to this earth for a specific purpose. Eternity is going to be a long time. I want to appreciate the life that I have here on earth now, because it is all too soon going to be past.

Yes, it would be nice not to have to deal with the ugliness of this world, to see the freedoms in our country slowly begin to erode, to know that our liberty to live out our relationship with Jesus Christ will soon be stiffled (as it already is in so many other countries). But God's plan for us is perfect. We don't need to fear the future because we know Who holds the future. There may come a day for us when it will be difficult - if not dangerous - to profess a faith in Jesus Christ. But what glory to be able to share in His sufferings. There are so many who have suffered, some to the point of martyrdom, for Jesus Christ in the past and are suffering now in the present.

But there are still so many opportunities in which to tell others about the love of God and the salvation offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Every day I am alive is another day of opportunity to share my faith with someone else. Right now those opportunities are not that frequent, but it is my prayer that those opportunities will increase in the coming days.

As long as God has me on this earth, I want to serve Him. I want to be His missionary (or "magissionary" as David and I call ourselves). That way when I stand before Him in heaven, I won't be ashamed to have to explain missed opportunities or failures to act when He has opened the door. I look forward to hearing Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

This morning I read this story in the devotional book...and I thought it was very poignant:

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The story is told of Theodore Roosevelt boarding ship at an African port as he was to return from a hunting safari. Great crowds gathered to celebrate his visit. The red carpet was rolled out for him. He was given the best suite on board the ship. He was the center of attention during the sail home.

At the same time, there was another man on board ship. He was an old missionary who had given his life for God in Africa. His wife had died, his children gone, he was now alone. No one noticed him. At the ship's arrival in San Francisco, the President was again feted. The whistles blew, the bells rang, the crowds cheered as Roosevelt disembarked in pomp and glory. But there was no one there to meet the missionary.

He went to a small hotel room, and that night as he knelt beside his bed he prayed, "I'm not complaining, Lord. But I just don't understand. I gave my life for You in Africa and it seems that no one cares. I just don't understand."

And then it seemed in that moment the Lord reached down His hand from heaven and placing it on the hold' man's shoulder, said, "Missionary, you're not home yet."

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It is my prayer that you are filled with the hope - and assurance - of a home in heaven for eternity with God. I also pray that while you are here on earth, you serve Him with all your heart, mind, and body. May we all look forward to that day when the fanfare rings out -- when we are finally Home!!