Saved And Satisfied

And what a glorious reunion. I often fantasize about how attractive Heaven is – and how it is getting more so for me every year.

• Grandma Carrie is over there. I’m going to spend at least the first hundred years or so rubbing my face in her starched apron. I’m going to put my hands on that bun of gray hair and hold her tight.

• My dear friend and mentor, Pat Giffin is there -- probably playing practical jokes on the angels. I know he has his smile back. You see, during his last few years the strokes had stolen that smile. But I’m certain the moment he saw Jesus, that smile came back!

• Jim Livengood’s heart isn’t weak any more. He is strong again, heart pumping like a 20 year-old. He’s more than likely breaking everyone’s ribs in heaven with that bear hug.

• And dear old Deacon, Leroy Brown has finally found a decent carpenter to hang-out with. Leroy was a master carpenter. He willed me his staple gun – it was older than he. New fangled ones don’t work good, he’d say. No one could satisfy Leroy’s eye. But his new carpenter pal can.

When I think of the New Jerusalem, and the ones that are waiting, I can’t help thinking about the pan of lasagna Elizabeth’s mom, Sofie has waiting for me. She enjoyed seeing me eat. I enjoyed having her watch!

My mechanically-minded father-in-law, Tony may be having the toughest time adjusting to heaven; no cars breaking down for him to fix. But just the same, he’s probably adjusting the carburetor on Peter’s chariot. I know Tony – He’s got to be hanging around with that big fisherman. They were both hard headed.

And, just this past fall, my own dear mother joined the lot; heaven is a lot more attractive now. It won’t be the twinkling of an eye and we’ll all be together. And there won’t be a single pain or missed memory!

What a crew is waiting over there! But, best of all, my big brother is going to be there; my Elder brother. I have one older brother here, and one there. The one there is named Jesus. I have never seen His face. But I’ve seen Him in your life. I’ve seen Him in the faces of people who have had their lives transformed in a moment; some in a worship service just like this. I’ve seen Him change a corpse into a life worth living. I’ve seen Him transform homes and lives. I can’t wait to see Him face to face.

My friend, I want to see you over there with Tony and Sofie, Pat and Jim, Leroy, my mom and Grandma Carrie. I want to greet you and walk with you and Jesus beside the waters of the river of life. I want to spend unhurried and unworried time together as we know each other deeper, and love each other with the love of Jesus Christ. I want to spend time with you and Jesus, Moses, Peter and John.

And I want to sit at the foot of God’s throne with you and bask in the light of the Shekinah glory that flows from God’s presence. I want to sit at the table with you when Jesus calls us to the marriage supper. And I want to feel the brush of Jesus’ finger as he wipes away every tear, and his embrace changes every sadness we’ve ever known into joy unspeakable and full of glory!

Are you prepared? Have you given your name to Jesus so He can write it in His book of life?

--------------

ENDNOTES

1] In Other Words