HOME ON MY MIND

"The promise of “arrival” and “rest” is still there for God’s people. God himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we’ll surely rest with God. So let’s keep at it and eventually arrive at the place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience". -  Hebrews 4:9-11 (Message)

Few days ago, I came across a very wonderful hymn titled "Home of the Soul". The hymn was composed in 1912 by James Rowe (1865 - 1933). While meditating on the lyrics of this hymn, the Holy Spirit reminded me about some of the most challenging journeys I have embarked on in life. 

In October 2006, I travelled to a state in the northern part of Nigeria by air and was scheduled to return to Lagos few days later but the return flight was cancelled due to bad weather. My hope of leaving the location by air on the proposed departure date was dashed. After much hesitation, I decided to board a bus back to Lagos. The trip was a 24hour odyssey of pain and discomfort because I have never travelled such a long distance by road before. I was really tired and bored.  After several hours on the road, we finally rounded a bend, climbed the long bridge at Wawa village, and l saw the signpost with the inscription -"Welcome to Lagos- the State of Aquatic Spendour" at Berger bustop. And as we approached the final bustop, the air cooled, the sun appeared more spectacular, more serene, and brighter. I was sighing for my beautiful home; eagerly looking forward to embrace my darling Queen and lovely Princess. Few minutes later, that long and boring journey eventually ended and I was glad to be home at last. 

Life is a journey and we must endeavour to go through it with the end in mind. There may be some discomfort or pains on the way but one day, arriving in our mansion above (home) will make the journey on this earth seem like such a short drive, even if our life has been like one long road trip from the north to the west. We will eventually round a bend, feel a cool, fresh whisper of wind on our cheeks, knowing that we have been raised to a higher elevation and there we will be: in the splendor and glory of heaven, with Jesus, forever and ever. We will be so glad that we finally made it home.

"There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I'm taking." John 14:2-4 (Message)

Beloved, where are you today in the journey of life? Where is your soul heading to? Heaven or Hell? If Jesus returns today, are you sure you will go with Him to that glorious home He promised us in John 14:2-4? Will your soul be among the redeemed ones that will enter that beautiful HOME OF REST? Will you reach the eternal shore? Are you a true child of God? If your answers are not positive, then, I urge you to please amend your ways now and surrender to the Saviour today. You will never regret that you did because the sand of times are sinking and we may soon be going home. Please don't be left behind.

This week, kindly let us meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn as we trust God for grace to make it "home" whenever Christ returns:

HOME OF THE SOUL

If for the prize we have striven,
After our labors are o’er,
Rest to our souls will be given,
On the eternal shore.

Refrain
       Home of the soul, beautiful home,
       There we shall rest, never to roam;
       Free from all care, happy and bright,
       Jesus is there, He is the light!
       Oft, in the storm, lonely are we,
       Sighing for home, longing for Thee,
       Beautiful home of the ransomed,
       Beside the crystal sea.

Yes, a sweet rest is remaining
For the true children of God,
Where there will be no complaining,
Never a chastening rod.

Soon, the bright homeland adorning,
We shall behold the glad dawn;
Lean on the Lord till the morning,
Trust till the night is gone.

I don't know about you, but I'm seriously sighing for my home beyond the sky. How I wish you are too. May God grant us grace to finish strong and well so that we can all enter that beautiful HOME OF REST in Jesus name. Amen.

Good day and do have a fruitful week IJN.

Maranatha!

Bro  Okanlawon Taiwo

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