A better place

Yesterday was one of those high/low things. In the afternoon I drove 200 km to visit a young family member who is expecting her first child. Getting out of the city—so relaxing! Trees, lakes and other scenic features—so inspiring. This young woman’s anticipation and enthusiasm for being a mother—a total blessing. I smiled the entire 6-7 hours.

Then I came home to a voice mail from a friend I’ve not seen or talked to for a few years. I called her back. Earlier this summer she could not reach her oldest son by phone so went to his house, broke in a side window, and discovered his body on the living room floor. Such deep sadness. So much pain and sorrow. Her family has had many trials and now this. What can comfort a mother who has lost a child?

The cause of death was not known, but she did know he believed in Christ and was ready. That was her anchor in this tragedy. As I read my Bible this morning, I thought how important to us that Christ said and did what He did so many years ago.

For today: “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1:9-11, NKJV)

When Jesus rose from the dead, He did not simply walk off into the hills and disappear. The disciples met together with Jesus and before their eyes He ascended into heaven. While this part of the Bible is mocked, those who saw it know that He is somewhere, not gone. Those who believe it know also. We believe His promise: “I am going there to prepare a place for you.” 'There' is someplace, a real place.

If his faith was real, then my friend’s son is not ‘gone’ but has moved to another place too. She believes that she will see him again. Without that hope, and without the promise of Jesus, her despair would overwhelm her.

In a larger way, yesterday makes me think of the entire cycle of life and death, birth, growth, aging, and leaving this world. I’m thankful for Jesus. While He cannot be seen by my eyes, I know in my heart that He is there, beyond the clouds, beyond the sorrows (and the joys) of this world busily preparing a place for His people. Even though I enjoy life here, I have His Word that life there will be far better.