These words were the last ones spoken by a young man just before leaving this world. Raised by Christian parents, he had heard the gospel truths very early in life, but he had not yet decided for Christ, though God found a way to bring him to Himself. He became ill, and as he had to be doctored away from home, he missed his parents, especially his mother's tender care more than anything else. He could be with them only when they came to see him, and that was for only a few moments, which made the partings even more painful.
It was the hope of all that he would get well rapidly, but "God's ways are not our ways," yet all He does is well done.
We reach such conclusions, sometimes after a painful experience, but most of the time we feel that we may not understand His ways till we reach our heavenly Home.
So it was in the case of this young man, instead of getting well, he became worse, and when he realized that there was not much hope for his recovery, he was brought to see the necessity of accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior.
In surrendering his heart to Him, he found Him also to be a good Shepherd, and a faithful Friend. He felt wonderfully sustained, comforted and encouraged by His divine Presence, and peace was in his heart in the joy of his salvation, and it showed on his happy face, especially when the name of Jesus was mentioned.
After six months of patient suffering, God took him Home to Himself, but just before leaving this world, he said, "Forever with the Lord.”
No doubt, he had reached the conclusion that the main attraction in his heavenly Home, would be his precious Savior.
So may it be with all who read these lines. May they come to the end of their lives with the same bright anticipation through knowing the Savior as their own.