January 2
So there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:11
It is extraordinary to think about the welcome we have ahead of us when we leave this earth! Peter tells us without any reservation, what the outcome is for us in a life filled with Christ: eternal life. How amazing! How incredibly awesome and joyous! Peter’s wants us to clearly know about the gift of eternal life that is ours when our life is Christ centered. We are especially comforted with this knowledge when we have lost someone close to us. As much as we know that death is a part of this life, witnessing a loved one’s suffering is painful no matter how much we prepare for it and the subsequent grief is crushing and life-changing. But envisioning our dear ones being welcomed into the Kingdom of God, gives us a glimpse of the joy they are experiencing and fills us with comfort in our souls, peace in our hearts and the hope of reuniting with them one day. What purpose and reassurance this brings to all the difficulties and challenges we face - the crosses we bear - all that we encounter during our attempts to live as Christ taught us. For as we trust in the Lord’s goodness, we also with faith anticipate our life eternal with Him.
Think about being embraced by precious family members once again; seeing faces and smiles that haven’t been seen in a while; and witnessing the radiance of God’s love filling each of us. Doesn't it reinforce the significance of what we do each day; bring hope and meaning to every moment? We know the waiting is temporary. And when it comes time to leave this world, I like to think about that time as quoted in the last line of the prayer “Safely Home:” “Oh the rapture of that meeting, oh the joy to see you come!” How good God is!
When it is time dear Father, please bring us all safely home to your waiting embrace.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
So there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:11
It is extraordinary to think about the welcome we have ahead of us when we leave this earth! Peter tells us without any reservation, what the outcome is for us in a life filled with Christ: eternal life. How amazing! How incredibly awesome and joyous! Peter’s wants us to clearly know about the gift of eternal life that is ours when our life is Christ centered. We are especially comforted with this knowledge when we have lost someone close to us. As much as we know that death is a part of this life, witnessing a loved one’s suffering is painful no matter how much we prepare for it and the subsequent grief is crushing and life-changing. But envisioning our dear ones being welcomed into the Kingdom of God, gives us a glimpse of the joy they are experiencing and fills us with comfort in our souls, peace in our hearts and the hope of reuniting with them one day. What purpose and reassurance this brings to all the difficulties and challenges we face - the crosses we bear - all that we encounter during our attempts to live as Christ taught us. For as we trust in the Lord’s goodness, we also with faith anticipate our life eternal with Him.
Think about being embraced by precious family members once again; seeing faces and smiles that haven’t been seen in a while; and witnessing the radiance of God’s love filling each of us. Doesn't it reinforce the significance of what we do each day; bring hope and meaning to every moment? We know the waiting is temporary. And when it comes time to leave this world, I like to think about that time as quoted in the last line of the prayer “Safely Home:” “Oh the rapture of that meeting, oh the joy to see you come!” How good God is!
When it is time dear Father, please bring us all safely home to your waiting embrace.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson