“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” Matthew 10:40
Imagine a family, a happy loving family. They have a beloved Grandma who lives very far away, whom they nerve get to see because of financial circumstances. Grandma is coming to visit. Imagine the family’s excitement as the time draws near. They clean and prepare a special place in their house just for Grandma; a place where she can rest her weary traveler’s bones. They prepare Grandma’s favorite foods and plan wonderful family activities.
Now imagine the day of Grandma’s arrival is here. Dad phones to say he has picked her up safely at the airport and they are now turning on the street to the house. The kids begin squealing with delight at the thought Grandma is almost here. And then, they hear the car pull up to the front of the house. Mom and the kids fling the front door open wide and run out to greet Grandma.
Now imagine those hugs, kisses, smiles and tears. Imagine how Grandma feels at this warm and loving welcome; imagine her own excitement. She must have been a little bit nervous After all, it had been a long, long time. The kids had grown so much since she was last here. Even her grown son and daughter-in-law had aged. And so had she! How wonderful for Grandma that none of that mattered. It only mattered that now she was here. Everyone was filled to the brim with love and joy. The celebration had begun. What a beautiful image!
Now imagine the scene is Heaven. Just like Grandma you are coming for a visit. Maybe you are kneeling in prayer for the first time in years. Maybe you are returning to Church after a long absence. Maybe you are dying and calling our for God’s forgiveness and mercy.
Imagine the family in Heaven, all the angels, saints, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, and God Himself, all hearing that you are coming. Like the earthly family, who has waited a long time to welcome their Grandma, they rejoice with hymns of thanksgiving and praise. Jesus comes to assist you in your journey and show you the way, while in Heaven they prepare a special place for you to rest your weary traveler’s bones. The closer you get, the more the excitement mounts, until the gates of Heaven burst open and they all rush out to greet you. God Himself welcomes you home. The celebration begins!
Can you meet God part way? Can you kneel in prayer, or go into The Church to seek Him? He awaits your coming. It doesn’t matter how long it has been. If you do, He is sure to come to meet you. He is sure to welcome you home.
From God Calling, by A.J. Russell, April 12: I am your Guide. Strength and help will come to you; just trust Me wholly. Fear not. I am ever more ready to hear than you to ask. Walk in My ways, and know that help will come.
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