HERE is a large vessel, all ready to sail away across the ocean. Everyone is ready on board, and their friends have gathered on the wharf to say “Good-bye.”
Of course they cannot shout “Goodbye,” for I’m afraid they would never be heard. They cannot shake hands either, so they are holding long paper streamers instead. See them leaning over the side of the vessel watching their friends on the wharf. The friend on board throws the roll of paper to his friend below, and each one holds an end until slowly, slowly, the huge boat moves away from the wharf, and the paper stretches . . stretches . . . and breaks! Often there are tears in their eyes as the streamers break, for they will be a long way from home when they have crossed the ocean, and some of them may never meet again.
Perhaps you would rather stay at home, than sail away on that boat and leave your loved ones behind you. But don’t forget that the time MUST come when you will leave this world, and perhaps you will leave it alone, in death. Would you like to go away alone like that? Many a little boy or girl has done so, and left the loved ones weeping at home.
But there are some who leave this world in death, who will meet their loved ones again, though sad to say there are others who will not. If you, dear reader, were to die, where would you go? No doubt the vessel in our picture would stop at several ports, but those who die must go to one or the other of two places—either Heaven or Hell. If you know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, you can say with Paul, and without a single doubt, “WE know ... that we have a building of God . . . eternal in the heavens.” 2 Con 5:1. There you will see the Saviour who died for you, as well as meeting all those who have died trusting in Him. Yes, all the loved ones who have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life will be there, and everyone will be happy forever.
That is a lovely way to leave this world, boys and girls. It is wonderful to go home to the blessed Father whom you love, and to be sure of a welcome in Heaven because the Lord Jesus Christ has made a place for you. It is blessed to know that the Saviour Himself is waiting for you, and more than that, He has promised to be with you, even in the “valley of the shadow of death,” if you are one of His redeemed children.
How will it be with you when you leave this world, dear reader? Will you go alone and afraid, leaving all your treasures behind you, or will you go gladly to the One whom you long to see, because He loves you? Remember too, that your dear ones, if they belong to Jesus, will be in Heaven too.
Messages of the Love of God 8/8/1948