HOMECOMING

Revelation 21:3-5

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying. “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me,

"Write, for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:3-5, NKJV

The first book of the bible begins with an intimate interaction between God and man, and the last book ends in a similar fashion, with God Himself wiping every tear from our eyes. What a way to end the story! With our heavenly Father bringing us on His knee to wipe away every tear from our eyes. Maybe at that moment we will realize that we are finally home. I wonder if the tears we shed will be a mixture of joy at being in the Father's presence and relief that there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. Whatever the reason for our tears, the soothing comfort of a Father's love will assuredly take away all our pain and make all our suffering but a distant memory.

We have this promise, that at the end of all time, we will find ourselves in the arms of the Father. He will come and live with us and be our God, and we will live with Him and be His people. May this be the hope that we cling to for those who have gone before us in Christ and for us as well. While our temporal life on earth may soon come to an end, we have the hope of an eternity living near to the Father's heart.

Never forget that we have God's indwelling Spirit of comfort, who is with us the moment each solitary teardrop starts to dampen our lashes. Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted and set the captive free, and His Holy Spirit understands. He knows, He loves, and He cares for each one of us, so draw closer to His arms of comfort, and trust in His love today, for a day is coming where there will no longer be any mourning, crying, or pain.

We may not understand why we have to endure some of the things in life that cause such heartache and pain, but let us never forget that His eternal perspective is broader than our restricted view. He is our present help in trouble today, and tomorrow He will wipe away the tears from all of our eyes!!!

Father, thank You for this day and the strength to press in, press through, and press on in it. Lord, open the windows of heaven and shine down Your abundant blessings upon us and our family today. Lord, we thank You that soon there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. Lord, we know that You have promised to wipe away every tear from our eyes. Lord we look forward to that day when we will see You face-to-face and be with You forever. Lord, use us to be the hand of Your love that someone needs today.

Father, we love You, Amen !