Arrival

One of the major problems caused by the pandemic has been crossing borders between countries. Sometimes, it is hard to get out of a country, and at other times it is hard to get in to a country. Even when a person manages to get into a country, he cannot be sure regarding what limitations he will face. In all cases, crossing borders is now much more complicated than it used to be.

There is one border crossing that we will all face and it will occur when we leave this world. For those who are crossing into the heavenly country, it will be a very straightforward and transforming entry. They will not be met by a junior official, and assigned a place in a queue. Rather they will be met by Jesus himself and he will introduce them to the life of their new environment.

When it came the time for Stephen to cross the border, things were dark on this side of it. The church was about to lose one of its most effective evangelists and organisers. But on the other side, things were bright. Jesus himself was standing, looking on and waiting to greet Stephen when he reached the border crossing. What a wonderful welcome he would have received from Jesus!

We often think of the various activities of Jesus in heaven. We contemplate his roles of prophet, priest and king because we know that they are comforting and uplifting to our hearts. No doubt, he will be engaged in fulfilling those responsibilities today. Another role he will be engaged in today will be that of Welcomer, greeting those of his people who will arrive at the ultimate border crossing. 

In his letter to the Philippians Paul assures his readers that to be with Christ is far better. Far better than what? It will be better than anything that can be imagined. Often, when a person crosses a border, it takes him a while to discover that his new location is better than his old. It will be very different when entering heaven. One second will be enough to reveal that it is far better, and the remainder of the time there will always provide evidence for that reality.

If I could tell how sweet will be His welcome

In that home whose wondrous beauty ne’er was told,

And tell you how He waits and longs to save you,

You would seek Him, and abide within His fold.