Homecoming!
“To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” -Hebrews 12:23
Do you remember the old-fashioned church homecoming? Special singing. Dinner on the grounds—and what a dinner is always was! Seeing families who had moved away. What a good time we used to have at homecoming.
I’m looking forward to another homecoming. One day soon, or sooner, I’m going up to heaven. It matters not whether I go through the door of death or take the ride called the rapture. It only matters that when I arrive on the other side I am forever with my Saviour.
What are you excited about seeing? Certainly, seeing Jesus has to be first on the list. But what is next on your list? Are you looking for the streets of gold or going to listen to the angel choir? To me, Hebrews 12:23 reveals the second best thing about heaven: the people who will be waiting for us to show up.
My grandparents are there. The baby sister I never knew is there. My father in the ministry is there. All the Bible saints are there. With each passing year, I know a few more of that heavenly throng.
I don’t think going to heaven will be like entering a new and strange place. No, I expect it to be more like homecoming. Heaven will fit like an old pair of worn-out shoes. Dinner, or perhaps I should say supper, will be on the table. Loved ones will be waiting to meet and greet us. You know, I sure am looking forward to homecoming. “Hey, you guys, save me some mashed potatoes!”
By David F. Reagan
Copyright © 2002
Antioch Baptist Church Knoxville, Tennessee