ODB: Longing For Home
January 6, 2012
There is no place like home—especially when home is heaven.
READ: Philippians 1:21-30
I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. —Philippians 1:23
When our son Stephen was a youngster, he went away for a week at a Christian summer camp. Later that week, we got a letter from him that was addressed to “Mom and Dad Crowder” and simply said, “Please come and take me home today.” What his child’s mind couldn’t comprehend, of course, was that it would be days before we got his letter and more time before we could come for him. All his young heart knew was that he longed for home and for Mom and Dad—and that can be tough for a child.
Sometimes we can be like Stephen as we think about this world. It’s easy to think longingly about being with Jesus and begin to wish we could go to our “eternal home” (Eccl. 12:5) where we will “be with Christ” (Phil. 1:23). As God’s children (John 1:12), we know that this world will never truly be home to us. Like the apostle Paul, we especially feel that way when the struggles of life are hard. While in Rome awaiting trial, Paul wrote, “I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Phil. 1:23). He loved serving Christ, but a part of him longed to be with the Savior.
It’s comforting to know that we can think ahead to being with Jesus—in a home that is far better.
— Bill Crowder
Source: Our Daily Bread
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Comforting as it might sound: Home sweet home.
I am not sure how old was Stephen then when he attend the camp. As for my girl, she rather stayed for camp then at home. Simply because camp was where all the fun activities and friends could be found. Having said these, I think we need to see how to overcome the world which so often enticed us from our heavenly home – which is a precious promise but we have not been there before.
I also believe that Paul was looking to meeting a person, Christ Jesus and not so much (missed) a place per sa. That goes to show Paul’s affection for His Master that he served. Frankly, there are times that I am afraid of meeting my Savior and Lord too early as I am not prepared to account to Him. I guess I will not be totally prepared even given whatever remaining time I have left on bed. Even then, the kind of death I can’t choose – on death bed or otherwise. Well, I just have to trust my advocate and defender for His unfalling grace and mercy when I stand at The Judgment Seat of Christ.
Definitely..
most of the time, I have the same view as the apostle Paul..
especially, during the first few days of being a newborn in Christ.
The reason is that I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to endure or overcome
evils and temptations on the coming days.
However,..
God’s ways aren’t the same as our ways..
Just the fact of being a believer is inadequate, there must be alot more to it..
i.e. exaltation, equipment, purification, submission, evangelization..
..throughout these.. Let us enlarge the mission field..