Heaven is our True Home
I have cut back on the evening news. It’s just too troubling. I don’t ignore it completely; I just don’t dwell in it. There’s an old middle English phrase that I still hear occasionally, “Godspede” (as it was spelled). “Spede” it is an old English word for “prosper”, often used to wish someone well when they were setting off on a journey.
There is a Bible verse from 2 Peter 3:12 – “as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” That verse makes my mind autocorrect the traditional God Spede to God Speed. Global news, local news, and daily stress from our personal lives are ongoing reminders that this world is not our true home. A recent funeral reminded me of the hymn that I have known since I was a child, “I’m but a stranger here. Heaven is my home.” We have a far better world to look forward to in heaven. It is a world that Jesus died to prepare for us. John gives us a one sentence description that makes us want to speed it’s coming:
Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Jesus fulfilled all our requirements to gain us access to heaven. Everyone who puts their trust in God, in His eyes, is a saint. In that way, All Saints Day includes us. It also includes our loved ones who have gone to Heaven before us. Revelation is a celebratory verse to capture what Jesus won for us – removing the worst that this world has to offer and bringing us safely into the perfect world He prepared for us in eternity. Happy All Saints Day!
Dear Jesus, you came to earth to connect with us personally and to live and die for us sacrificially. You went to heaven to prepare a place for us. Please give us patience and strength while You guide us through our life here and focus our hearts and minds on the life You have won for us there.