In just a few days, we’ll be heading northeast, toward HOME! Soon we’ll be going to Arkansas for a short visit during the annual camp meeting at Victory Baptist Church. My hometown, Benton, is growing and changing everyday. It is about 20 minutes from Little Rock, and it is fast becoming a suburb of of Little Rock. But no matter how far away from Arkansas I move, when I cross the state line and see the glorious “Welcome to Arkansas The Natural State” sign – well part of me wants to jump out of the car and hug it or something! It makes me so glad to know I’m getting close to my hometown. And no matter how much Benton changes, when I get there, I just feel like I belong. It’s my town. I grew up there. I ate with friends at that Taco Bell! I went to that Wal-Mart too many times to count as a teen. I worked at Landers Auto Sales and at Malvern National Bank!!! I learned to drive on those streets. I visited the bus kids on the not-so-nice part of town. I belong there.
Today I read I Thessalonians 4:16-18
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
This is a very familiar passage. Lots of people can quote it. As I read it, I was reminded that I don’t really belong here. No, not Texas or Arkansas, but in this world. There’s a much better and more permanent home waiting for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love where I live, and you already know that I love Arkansas!!! But, I love Heaven even more.
I like the phrase “Home Sweet Home ” but maybe “Home Sweet Heaven” would be better, and truer. Maybe He’ll come back today and we’ll be “caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” Now that makes me want to hug something!
Thank you, Lord, for making a way for me to go to Heaven to be with you
forever!