One of my favorite hymns is When We See Christ. The chorus declares how it will be worth every struggle and challenge we encounter in life when we see Jesus face-to-face. And with that day in view, we can courageously live for Him today!
Jesus is the hope of every Christian heart. We long to rest in His embrace, rescued from sin and suffering forever. No more addictions, anger, fights, or envy at another’s success. We’ll never disappoint Him again. No more cancer, violent collisions, or house fires. Jesus “will wipe every tear from [our] eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things [will be] gone forever” (Revelation 21:4).
All this will happen when we’re in Jesus’ presence. This means that it’s good to desire to be with Him, but have you ever wondered how that will come to be? One way is through death. And though we don’t truly want to die, the benefit of seeing Jesus led Paul to say “to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NIV). Don’t misunderstand. Paul wasn’t sitting there just dreaming of death. In the next chapter, for instance, he stated that a friend was ill and almost died, but “God had mercy on him” and spared his life (Philippians 2:27).
There’s something even better than dying and going to be with Jesus. And that’s for Him to come here. This was Paul’s preference. He closed one letter by exclaiming, “Our Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22). He learned this from Jesus, who taught us to pray, “Father . . . may your Kingdom come soon” (Luke 11:2). Their prayers previewed the closing shout of Scripture: “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
Whether through death or our Lord’s coming, it will be worth it all when we see Jesus!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 9:1-41
More:
Read Rev. 21:1-27 to learn more about what will happen when Jesus comes again.
Next:
Do you long to see Jesus? How can you share this hope with others today?
Gary Shultz on August 9, 2016 at 6:39 am
Mike, being older would possibly draw one closer to the though of going home. When we were younger we did not think about that too much. As you stated we probably should not be setting around waiting for the closing event. I have been on the train just waiting for heaven, but I got off….. Not that I won’t get there again, but I don’t need the ride now. We only get one shot at this and I think people need to see someone living for Christ in all the fullness intended. We are rewarded how we live here, how we obey, and how faithful we have been. I do realize some of the saints need to get on the train. I lost a friend not to long ago, he was hurting, he wanted and need to go home, but he was a testimony of God’s faithfulness to him until the end. Now I’m not busting on you Mike because you be smarter than me, but I am telling folks to stop saying “woe is me” and figure out that God has us here for a reason, there is purpose, there is work, and there is reward. Let God help you “live a little” and we will be the sharing agent for hope. Thanks Mike.
Mike Wittmer on August 9, 2016 at 8:27 am
Thanks, Gary. Here is how I parse the term ‘home.’ Jesus is who we are to live with, but the new earth is where we are to live with him. Jesus is our spiritual home and the new earth is our physical home. So when we die we are ‘going home,’ but we won’t be home in the fullest sense until Jesus returns and resurrects our bodies. I’m not longing to die, but I am longing to see Jesus. So I pray as Scripture says, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus.”
hsnpoor on August 9, 2016 at 11:19 am
I find myself echoing that phrase as well, Mike. I am concerned though, why I do so. I think I’m more tired of living in an ever devolving world that moves further and further away from the ways of our LORD, than I am excited about prospect of being united forever with my LORD, and that is concerning….
hsnpoor on August 9, 2016 at 11:16 am
Yes! Luke 19:13, we are told to occupy the time until He comes; not wait in sleepy slumber to be transported on billowy clouds to heaven. I hear you, Gary….
godlove on August 9, 2016 at 12:04 pm
Hi hsnpoor, I saw your replies here after I hit Submit on my comment below. Funny how my comments sound like a direct answer to you. Looks like we both had a similar train of thought today 🙂
ibitoytey on August 9, 2016 at 7:10 am
When we are prepared for the Lord’s second coming our view, speech, and action would change.
We wouldn’t act like the unbelievers, neither think like one
gagirllive on August 9, 2016 at 8:09 am
Amen, Mike. This hope is what tempers all the pain, heartache, suffering, sin, and sorrow that we live with presently. Jesus truly is the hope of every Christian heart. My friend’s husband lost his battle with cancer and went to be with the Lord this past weekend. His gain; our loss. But we do not grieve as though we have no hope. While we “encourage one another with these words”, we are experiencing God’s perfect peace knowing that Christ Himself is the reward of every believing heart. He’s worth it all. Spot on devotional for me today, Mike. Grace and peace to all.
Mike Wittmer on August 9, 2016 at 8:29 am
Amen. I lost a friend to cancer two weeks ago. So brutal on his family. Thank God for Jesus! I don’t know how grieving families make it without Him.
godlove on August 9, 2016 at 11:44 am
As believers we certainly long for Jesus’ return. Far beyond the idea of leaving behind all the sadness and pain of this fallen world, the biggest hope that we have in death is Christ’s return and resurrection of our bodies to spend eternity with Him. I try not to spend time wondering on what form I’ll meet Him, be it in death or in life may His will be done. The important thing we can do here and now is to make the most of God’s gift of life on this earth, seeking His will on how to make every new day He gives significant. Thanks for this insightful piece, Mike. Come, Lord Jesus!
hsnpoor on August 10, 2016 at 12:15 am
Yes, you’re right! I think we had a ticket to ride the same train today! Amen!