One sunny Saturday this past March we noticed two moving trucks in our neighborhood, each parked in the driveway of different homes near us. But there was a very sad and obvious difference between the two moves.
In front of one home several cars and pickup trucks had parked. People with big smiles, laughing and talking as they carried belongings from the home, were eagerly helping pack a large rental truck. Others carried trays and dishes of food into the house. The busy activity was characterized by a festive air of noisy excitement. The couple who had lived there, along with their many friends and relatives who had come to help them move, were obviously quite elated about going to a new home. Their eagerness and joy had an effect on all.
Just across the street from us a second move was also taking place. A commercial moving truck was parked in the driveway of the home a young couple had occupied for three years. But the atmosphere of this move contrasted greatly with the other.
This couple’s house had not been put up for sale. There were no cars bringing eager helpers, and there was no expectant air of excitement. Only the young woman could be seen from time to time coming in and out of the house as she directed the two men who were carrying boxes into the van.
Her husband was nowhere to be seen, though his car was parked in the street. Unlike the other home, where the people spent almost the whole day packing, this move took barely an hour. The last thing we observed was the grim-faced young woman leaving the house alone as she carried some clothing bags to her truck. She drove away with the moving van following. Her husband (perhaps by now her “former husband”) still resides in the house alone.
A Glorious Move What a wonderful and glorious moving day we who are “brethren in Christ” (Col. 1:22To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:2)) are awaiting—that moment of all moments when His triumphant shout of victory and welcome will call the church home to be forever united with Himself in that indescribable paradise of the Father’s house (John 14:1313And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13); 1 Thess. 4:13-1813But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13‑18)). We await our Lord Jesus’ assured return at any moment, for He has promised, “Surely I come quickly. Amen” (Rev. 22:2020He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)).
A Glorious View
We are about to see Him “face to face” (1 Cor. 13:1212For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)) and for the first time to view those scars in His blessed hands, feet and side. What a burst of eternal worship and praise will result when we see Jesus! Yet, how exceedingly more must our blessed Lord Jesus be awaiting that glorious moment when He shall have His beloved bride with Himself “He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied” (Isa. 53:1111He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11))!
A Glorious Home
Surely it ought to be the joy and rejoicing of every believer’s heart to speak often (with real delight and longing) of that supreme moving day when we shall be caught away together. What a grand, glorious abode He has gone to prepare in the “Father’s house” for His redeemed (John 14:1313And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13)).
Yet, it will not be the joy of paradise (Luke 23:4343And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43); 2 Cor. 12:44How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. (2 Corinthians 12:4); Rev. 2:77He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7)) that will most fill our hearts with wonder and praise. “We shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:22Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)) nothing, not even those courts of glory, will surpass the joy of seeing our blessed Lord Jesus face to face. And then, for the first time, we shall finally look at one another and see nothing but Christ—“they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads” (Rev. 22:44And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. (Revelation 22:4)).
A Glorious Reality
Surely the fact of our Lord’s very near return ought to have a living, practical effect in our daily lives. “So shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:17-1817Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:17‑18)) can only result where our coming “move” to the Father’s house is a happy reality to faith. The solemn truth that the lost will not make this joyous move, but rather will face an eternity alone, ought also to motivate us to “do the work of an evangelist.”
A Glorious “Together”
The redeemed will be together forever in unspeakable bliss and peace with our blessed Lord. Is it not very precious to realize that He would have us, even now, enjoying sweet togetherness before He calls us home. Let’s not make any unnecessary moves into this present evil world—or away from each other—especially when we are but a few moments away from making our final move to glory!
“Now we beg you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him” (2 Thess. 2:1 JnD).
Ed.