Mon., Feb. 7/22
“Oh! Won’t it be wonderful!” beamed Alice, eyes dancing as she shared with me her anticipation of heaven. Alice, now 93, often spoke of heaven when I visited her in the nursing home. Her room contained very few possessions and the things she did have placed around her were mostly to do with her faith, her family, or her medical care needs. A well-worn bedside Bible, framed photos of family or gifts from grandchildren, an inhaler, call button, walker.
Alice wanted little from this life. She had laid up all her treasures in heaven, and was eager to complete that one last move.
“What have I got to worry about!?” scowled Peter, knowing he too had but a few days more on this earth.
“I’m ready!” said Bessy, having grown tired of the troubles of this world.
“I just want to go home!” ached Samantha, wearied by her uncomfortable longevity.
Elizabeth lay dying in her hospital bed. At times she spoke confusedly, at other times with crystal coherency. She motioned me closer, “I’m concerned about the lady in the next bed,” she whispered, “I don’t think she’s saved.” Elizabeth herself had only days left and knew it. Elizabeth knew too that wonderful destination before her. It was well with her soul and she held for herself only an excited, though medically sedated, anticipation.
Others with whom I have spoken held to no such hope. They had fallen into that pit like Solomon, in which one sees only “the things that are done under the sun,” and concluded “all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (Eccl. 1:14). These souls often die by suicide.
C.S. Lewis offers great insight here. He acknowledges the insufficiency of this world to satisfy, yet from that very insufficiency reasons the reality beyond. He says,
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” – C.S. Lewis
Speaking of His soon departure Jesus assured His disciples, “Where I am going… you will follow later.” (John 13:36). “I go and prepare a place for you… I will… take you to be with me… I am the way…” (John 13:36; 14:3, 6).
There is no satisfaction, no hope in this world. Yet we are drawn to seek it. We are drawn because there is such a world. We were made for that other world, and only Christ can lead us to it.
Press on…
All above incidents are true. Names only have been changed.
Pressing on... 