Daily Verse: John 14:2-4

“In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going."

 

My wife received a call last night informing her that a friend had passed on after a battle with an illness that was simply too much to overcome. After we received the news, we sat and reflected on what had transpired. We talked about the friend and how she would be missed…we discussed the last visit that my wife had with her friend…and we thought about the tough road ahead that her family would have to travel. But one thing from our conversation remained in my mind long after the talk had ended. I couldn’t help but imagine what this friend was experiencing. I tried to picture what this friend might be witnessing while we were continuing in our daily lives here on earth. As a proclaimed believer in Jesus Christ, we are certain that this friend had a one-way ticket punched for heaven. So my mind began to imagine what she was experiencing in heaven…what she was seeing…what people she was being reunited with…and the incredible celebration that was occurring as she entered into heaven. Above all this though, one key thing  captivated my thoughts…our friend was getting the opportunity to actually look face to face into the eyes of THE one true Lord. Jesus Christ, THE Savior, in the flesh, welcoming our friend into his kingdom…Wow! We spend the majority of our lives worshiping our God, imagining what he looks like, requesting his presence in our lives, seeking his wisdom and direction, and striving to live a life that is pleasing to him. And for our friend, the race had been run, the journey was complete, she had finished… and so there she stands, before this magnificent God, Creator of all, King of kings…it must be absolutely breathtaking! I am confident that when we take that first step into heaven, we are greeted by a Lord that reaches out and wraps us up in a giant bear hug,  welcoming us to his home. I believe there will be a celebration as family and friends that have gone before us welcome us home with a smile, a handshake, and a hug. Sure, death can be a tough pill to swallow…but I pray that we find hope, joy, and peace in knowing that death is not final. For through Christ, death in this life is only the beginning of something new, something absolutely incredible! There is great rejoicing and celebration awaiting each of us that proclaim Christ as Lord. I pray that while we grieve the loss of those in this life, we may cling to the Savior for strength and perseverance, and sing songs of praise and rejoicing for the life lived and for what lies ahead. To God be the glory!