Homesick for Heaven
Dear friends on the faith journey…. Had a rough day, week….month or year? Need some hope? This one is for you. It was a mansion like none I had ever seen– the largest private estate in the United States. As we began our tour, our imaginations ran wild, envisioning what it might have been like to have been a resident, way back when. Such a grand old place, containing anything and everything anyone could ever want, as far as earthly things go. There was a library with 10,000 volumes, an indoor pool, a bowling alley, and 33 guest rooms. We jokingly said that we would be content to be a servant there—just to live there, on any basis, would have been such a privilege. Soon came the banquet hall, where 16th century Flemish tapestries hung on the walls, amidst three fireplaces, and a table with a seating capacity of 64. What festive gatherings must have transpired there! As we marveled at the exquisite furnishings, our minds turned to another banquet that is yet to be. A heavenly one. The Wedding Banquet planned for us by our Bridegroom, Jesus. We realized that was nothing compared to what Jesus is planning for us! (Ephesians 3: 20-21) What joy filled our hearts as we contemplated sitting at that heavenly feast and rubbing elbows with our brothers and sisters in Christ from all the ages, past and future. What a glorious day that will be! (Revelation 19: 7-9) The table is all set. The time is near! Look closely at the table—there is a place there reserved for you! Soon we came to a room with walls that were lined with family portraits from generations past to the present. Just use your sanctified imagination for a moment and think about our Heavenly Father’s home. There may also be family portraits hanging on the walls and you and I will be included! We are the Blood-Bought-Church of the Redeemed! Completing our tour, we listened to the curator share his perceptions of the owners of the mansion. He told of their graciousness and kindness, and as he did, his admiration and respect for them was painted all over his face. I prayed that I would be the same in regard to my Master, Jesus, at every opportunity praising His wonderful graciousness to anyone who will listen. Yes, the mansion our Heavenly Father has waiting for us is like none we’ve ever seen before. We will live there not as servants, but as heirs…as sons or daughters. John 8: 35 says, “Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.” We will be able to see Him face to face and enjoy all that He has planned for us from all eternity. There will be no need or desire to go anywhere else. Every need will be met, every tear wiped away. Doesn’t the thought of it make you homesick for heaven? It does me!