When the King Greets Us
Step across life’s final border in this hope-filled meditation and imagine the breathtaking moment when the King Himself whispers, “Welcome home.”
“I long to depart and be with Christ . . .” (Philippians 1:23 CSB).
Crossing life’s final border will be the ultimate “arrival.” To reach at last a destination we’ve looked forward to all our lives will be a joy that human words can’t describe. Our “eyes” wide with wonder and our minds swept into complete awe by the King’s majesty, we will “set down our luggage” and stand amazed.
One of the last things our Lord discussed with His apostles before His arrest and crucifixion was the heavenly hope He wanted them to hold onto: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3). He wants us all to be with Him in His Father’s city!
If we die before Christ returns, how will our state at death be different from what we’ll enjoy after Christ’s final judgment of the world? I don’t know, and I have little interest in theological speculations about it. It is sufficient for this weary sojourner to know that we will be in “Abraham’s bosom,” along with Lazarus (Luke 16:22), and we will be “with Christ,” as Paul expected to be (Philippians 1:23).
Do you remember the old gospel song “The Christian’s Welcome Home”? It was written by Mary Ann Kidder, who had been blinded as a teenager. Her sight was restored a few years later, but having known blindness, it would have been with a special poignancy that she wrote, “When we the lovely promised land, with spirit eyes, shall see, we’ll join the holy angel band in praise, dear Lord, to Thee.”
It makes me shiver with joy to think that when the moment of my death comes, the King will be just on the other side, waiting to greet me. “Welcome home, My child. We’ve been waiting for you. All has been made ready by My Son, your Elder Brother. Take a moment to catch your breath, and then let’s go to the throne room and join the songs and the stories. You have been missed, but now, here you are! Dear child, your homecoming has made Me so very happy!”
Soon there will be . . .
A last goodbye.
A last letting go.
And then, that first hello. That first opening
of my eyes in a place I’ve never seen
but have always known as home.
And there, O my King and my Christ,
is where the real wonder begins.
(Douglas Kaine McKelvey)
Gary Henry - WordPoints.com