Amidst the congregations, our pastor welcomed me, as I attended our church’s Sunday Worship Service again. Almost a year had gone by since I last attended. It was a great privilege for me to be able to go to church again.
When he gracefully asked me to stand, calling on my name, to welcome me; it brought an ineffable merriment deep in my heart. My heart knows, very deeply, it was only by God’s grace that I could set foot in the church, on my own.
So when my name was called and I rose to stand amongst my fellow churchgoers, my heart pounded joyfully. These questions filled me, instant and warmly: Who will welcome me when I get to heaven? Will I be there when my name is called? ……. I want my Savior to welcome me home when my life on earth is over.
Although I wanted to leave it behind as of now, here I’ll give a quick look back at what had happened two years ago:
In the last quarter of 2015, I developed an unwanted health problem for which I was hospitalized for three long consecutive periods, each lasting more than three weeks. The second installment of my hospital stay witnessed me undergoing brain surgery, just before Christmas that year.
In the third installment, I was rushed into the hospital in an ambulance. My loving God graciously spared my life this time although there’s a possibility of me going home. Since I already wrote about these experiences, I wouldn’t go into details here.
These episodes in my life left me to stay at home; caring for the damage caused during this period. That is the reason why I have been unable to attend our church worship services, on Sundays, for almost a year. However, I am blessed to get enough verses, from the Bible – the word of God, while in my hospital bed. I’d read and re-read during this period.
A Rich Welcome:
2 Peter 1:11 reads, you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Only those of us who are saved by the blood of the Lamb are entitled to enter the eternal kingdom of our Lord after death. While this offer is made for all, it is limited to certain terms and conditions.
We should make every effort to add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love to our faith. And possessing these qualities in increasing measure, we’ll be productive and not stumble on our way to the eternal kingdom. More importantly, we should be cleansed from our past sins.
Just as the lost son, sometimes called the prodigal son because of his reckless and wasteful used of his resources or money, was welcomed by his father, we’d be welcomed by our Savior should we faithfully follow Him. When his father saw him, he ran to his son; threw his arm around his son, and kissed him. His servants brought in the best robe and put it on him. Luke 15:11-32
This time, in heaven, it would be a white robe, which shone bright in the presence of the glorified Lamb of God. We’d assemble joyfully joining the angels with our savior as our mediator. And the God of hope would fill us with joy and peace.
Deeply Missed Welcome:
My father, who welcomed me home every time I visited home, was no more to be seen here on earth. I can still remember his welcoming words, the place he would stand, thanking the Almighty Father for keeping us safe.
He always wanted me to go home straight, without lingering on the way bothered by relatives, extended families, and friends. ‘Set your heart on our humble dwellings – our home,’ father would advised us. Our worldly home doesn’t offer much but it is here in this place, we find a loving heart.
Then the day came when my father was no longer to greet me. Emptiness stung my heart. But his words remained to console my grieving soul. For he told me, he had a father who lovingly saved his soul and prepared a place for him.
When the thought of my father resting in the arms of the savior crossed my mind it gave me peace. Yet I deeply missed even his mere presence.
Musings on the Heavenly Welcome:
There were times when I pondered over the grand welcome awaiting us. The privilege we have in the blood and promises of Christ. A day, which will surely come, when we enter our eternal being.
Have you ever thought about it? It is time we get ready. Do we need to worry so much about our welcoming? No, but we must be certain where we’re headed, confidently.
I cannot say much about the grand welcome as I’m still here like you. But I have hope that it will happen in the near future. Here are some musings of mine:
who will welcome me
How will they welcome me, when I get home?
Will I be there when they call on my name?
Yes, my name’s surely in the Book of Life.
Worn out, suffered, in the valley of death
Who will welcome me in the gate of heaven?
When I cross o’er the other side of life
Will they call on my name as I stand there?
Would my happiness be worth the pain
That day; Savior will wipe my tears away.
Would I regret not having shed more tears?
What joy to be saved by the blood of the Lamb!
What would be my welcoming words before Him?
Will He say, Come in, worthy servant?
What will happen when I see His face?
Will I simply stand shamed; empty-handed?
Would the desire of my heart be filled?
Oh, how I long to be there!
I wanted my suffering to be rewarded
Afflict me more, would I say in regret?
The crown, would I be entitled?
Oh, who will welcome me?
I want my Savior to welcome me!
who will welcome you?
In your afterlife, which is forever
who will welcome you?
Have you ever thought about it?
It was because death is inevitable.
One day at a time we’re nearing it;
Not going back on this earthly life
But in the glory of the Savior!
(Re-post from my 2018 Archives)
