Nov

2

Going Home!

Filed Under Life | Leave a Comment

While in Memphis a couple of weeks ago I heard a college president talk about Revelation 21: 1 — 7.  This passage speaks about going home and heaven.  He then spoke about Max Lucado’s book, “The Applause of Heaven” and paraphrased the last two pages. 

My mind went back to a youth meeting in Ft. Collins, Colorado many years ago.  The male quartet and I had finished our meetings and had made our way to the airport.  As we boarded the plane there were many students on the plane that had been in the meeting in Fort Collins.  The applause began.   It was amazing how well the group was accepted and appreciated for the music and ministry they had experienced during the week.  I was caught up in this amazing appreciation for the group.   But you know what was even better.  It was the Atlanta Airport where my wife and children were standing there waiting for me to get off the plane and welcoming me home.  That scene had happened over and over again as I had previously traveled to many different countries in our world.  But it never seemed to be taken for granted.  It was better each time I arrived home.  I even anticipated it as the plane would fly over Memphis and then the descent would begin.  I could feel the engines cut back a bit and the nose of the plane tilt every so slightly downward.  I knew I was about 35 minutes from touching that beautiful ground I called “Georgia” and “Home”. 

One day there will be that final arrival to my eternal home and I will see those who have gone before.  In Max Lucado’s “The Applause of Heaven” he described it this way.  “I’ll be home soon.  My plane is nearing the airport.  The plane will land.  I’ll walk down the ramp and hear my name and see their faces.  I’ll be home soon.”  “You’ll be home soon, too.  You may not have noticed it, but you are closer to home than ever before.  Each moment is a step taken.  Each breath is a paged turned.  Each day is a mile marked.  You are closer to home than you’ve ever been.”

He continues, “Before you know it, your appointed arrival time will come; you’ll descend the ramp and enter the City.”    “You’ll see faces that are waiting for you.  You’ll hear your name spoken by those who love you.  And, maybe, just maybe–in the back, behind the crowds–the One who would rather die than live without you will remove His pierced hands from His heavenly robe and….applaud.”

What a wonderful thought as we grow older and as we read about that wonderful City called Heaven.   That makes reading Revelation 21:1 – 7 even more glorious.

Comments

Leave a Reply