Anticipating heaven?

A friend with four lively children used to quip, “Oh for the peace of the grave!” While she intended to be amusing, her remark was biblical! The Apostle Paul said the same thing using different words . . .

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith.” (Philippians 1:21–25)

His motivation was a bit different — my friend laughingly wanted relief from the noise and hubbub going on around her — Paul wanted to be with Jesus.

I understand both of them. Sometimes life is tough. I’ve often said, “I just want to go home” in the desire to escape whatever was happening around me, but I never once said it to be funny.

I also understand how Paul wanted to be with Jesus. Even though I know Jesus is with me always, and even though I almost always sense His presence, seeing His face and hearing His voice is very appealing. At the same time, like Paul I am torn between the two. Being with Jesus is perfection, but this life is precious too. The older I get, the more I wake up wondering if today will play out like other days, or will this be the day that He takes me home?

The majority of people I know, even Christians, have a fear of death, or at least speak of it as if death is a terrible and sad thing. I’ve felt that way too. When my father died, many Christian friends said things like, “I’m sorry for your loss” — which was not a comfort at all. The best comfort came from a young friend, under twenty at the time. She is one of those bouncy, positive souls who often annoyed others because she was incredibly expressive. Her comfort was given at church. She came up to me and said, “I know that this is supposed to be a sad time for everyone, but I am so happy for your dad!”

She bounced and so did my heart. That was exactly the right thing to say. Instead of feeling sorry for me, I became thrilled at the thought of my dad discussing the mysteries of the weather and the delights of farming with the Creator who makes the rain fall, and causes seeds to sprout and grow.

Since that day, my attitude toward death has changed. Even more, I see life as only a classroom — often full of tests and difficult curricula but where the Lord is teaching me to be like Him — and death as a shadow yet also a graduation.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

The rod and staff are His guidance through this life, and death is like a mere valley in shadows.

^^^^^^^^

Lord Jesus, daily You grant Your people with the crown of life, a life that is abundant and full. Yet just as it has been a thrill to experience literal graduations from academia, I am excited that one day You will hand me that final diploma along with the cap and gown of eternal life.. Right now, my task is to work hard and finish well, summa cum laude would be great. However, just seeing Your face will be the very best of all!