Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Homesick

                                                        
                                                         “Sometimes I grow homesick for heaven
                                                                 And the glories I there shall behold;
                                                        What a joy that will be when my Savior I see
                                                                   In that beautiful city of gold!”  - - Anon

               That phrase, “homesick for heaven”, struck me as I realized that at times, I, too, experience a homesickness for Heaven.  After all, Heaven is our eternal/everlasting home.  We are here on earth temporarily; earth is not our permanent home. As written in Hebrews 11:13 – 16, “These [referring to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Sarah] all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. “ 
               As a child I remember being homesick while staying a few days with relatives.  Coming home after a visit felt secure and comfortable because I was in the presence of my mom and dad again, and yes, even my older brother J  Being reunited with my earthly toys also brought me joy.  But now, as a grown-up, I long for that same sense of security, comfort and love that awaits me in Heaven.  Plus, I get to see Jesus face to face first off and then my earthly believing family and friends. But, you know, there’s even more to look forward to in Heaven.
               “Perhaps one of the reasons that we are given eternal life is that we will need an eternity to get to know all of the people to whom we are related by grace.”  Pastor Jon Anderson      Think about it!!  All people who have been saved by grace will be inhabitants of Heaven.  Beginning with Adam and Eve, there are going to be lots and lots of people to visit. Won’t it be amazing to meet the Biblical people…to be able to talk to your favorite ones?  I look forward to meeting Sarah, Queen Esther, Ruth, Deborah, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other women who lived throughout Bible history.  Of course, the men stand out too: Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, the 12 disciples, Paul and Timothy.  So much knowledge to reap from these men and women. 
               But not only will it be exciting to encounter the Biblical people, it will also be grand to run into other historical, Christian men and women as well.  However, the people that I want most to be spending eternity with are my believing family members and all my personal brothers and sisters in Christ.  Separation, loneliness and sadness will be replaced with unity, togetherness and joy!!  Our new home will be beyond description, prepared by Jesus Himself. (John 14:2)  Homesickness will be non-existent because we will finally be home!!!

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”  Phil. 3:20-21