Let's take a listen to the last verse of this lovely old hymn Friendship With Jesus, and perhaps we might listen for how the lyrics now address how Jesus is our forever-friend:
A friend when life's short race is o'er
A friend when earth is past,
A friend to meet on Heaven's shore
A friend when home at last.
Jesus Will Welcome You Home to Heaven
Just recently I shared in a sermon the story of an old missionary couple coming home from years of faithful service in another country. They had given up most of the comforts of life in order to spread the gospel. As their boat arrived into harbour, a cheering crowd could be heard. "Could it be a welcoming home celebration for me?" thought the husband. As they got closer, they realised that the reception was for a dignitary also on board the ship. Walking down the gangplank, the husband whispered to his wife, "I can't believe that no one is here to greet us. I have given the best years of my life, and no one cares. While this diplomat is receiving accolades, I am receiving nothing. It is just not fair!" The man's wife whispered back, "But, honey, you are not home yet!"
Well, this little hymn reminds us that one day, we'll have a friend waiting for us on heaven's shore - our real home!
Life Is Short: Walk With Jesus Today
Life is indeed short, as the songwriter says. I think that's worth pondering, today. While you're on earth, you'll want to be living with Jesus as your friend. It makes things that much more peaceful and joyful.
But when this short life is over, and our time on earth is past, will we be ready to meet Him on the other side?
Will Jesus Still Be Our Friend in Heaven?
This was an interesting thought to me, because I often tend to think that when my life on earth is over, Jesus isn't friend anymore, now He's going to be the Lamb of God who is worthy of praise, and I will just be bowing at His feet always in that place! The imagery in Revelation certainly seems to paint such a picture.
But John's language in that book is symbolic, much of the time. Of course, we will bow in awe when we see Jesus in heaven. But He won't have stopped considering us as friends, will He, just because we've crossed over to that world? Won't the friendship be even more intimate? More beautiful?
This little song blessed me, by reminding me that when I do get home to that place, I will have a friend there waiting for me. My sins He will have washed away, and He'll be welcoming me in with a gracious smile.
How about you?
Jesus will be waiting for us on heaven's shore as a friend. Live today as His friend, so that you are ready to meet Him.