“PRESENT WITH THE LORD”

One of the most consoling statements in the New Testament is found in II Corinthians 5:8:

We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.

“At home with the Lord!” A long time ago someone wrote the song, “There’s No Place Like Home.” I wonder if the author was a believer because surely there is no place like Home - our Heavenly Home.

Those who have lingered for a long time in pain in their mortal bodies can appreciate that truth. There is truly no place like being at Home with the Lord Jesus.

To those of you who have lost loved ones recently - it’s good to grieve. But remember - your loved one has gone Home. Home where there is no more pain, no more anxiety, no more fear.

It is difficult to accept the suffering of our loved ones day after day after day. We often pray that our loving Lord will take them home but when that happens, it hurts - often for quite a long time. I truly wish that we had a more complete description of what it means to be at home with the Lord. However, Scripture does give us some indication:

• God shall wipe away every tear - Revelation 7:17

• No sin in Heaven - Revelation 21:27. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life shall be there.

• No more death, mourning, crying or pain - Revelation 21:4

• We will see Jesus face to face and be with Him forever and ever - Revelation 22:4

Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions. - - - I go to prepare a place for you (John 14:2)”. Have you ever wondered how He’s doing that? What’s going on in the Father’s house today? One day we will find out first hand when we’re at home with the Lord. So take heart, friends. Grieve the loss of your loved one but be assured that, if they knew Christ, they are at Home at last. Amen. God bless.

Love to you all.