Getting Ready to Move
The house in which I have been living all my lifetime is getting very much out of order and repairs do not seem to last long, and a light wind causes it to tremble (Eccl. 12:3-7), so I am getting ready to move (2 Cor. 5:1-4).
The house to which I am moving is of such surpassing loveliness that no language can describe it (I Cor. 2:9, 10) and has every convenience and comfort anyone could ask or even think of (Eph. 3:20, 21).
My elder brother, my best friend (John 15:13, 14; Heb. 2:11; Prov. 18:24), formerly lived here in a house similar to mine (Heb. 2:17), but his Father promised him the grand home mentioned above on conditions of loyalty and obedience (Heb. 12:2), and he has offered to share it with me and others of his friends on the same conditions (I Pet. 1:13-15; 2 Pet. 1:3-11; 1 Pet. 2:21; 2 Pet. 3:11, 14). He has been nearly 2000 years preparing this home for his friends, his brethren (John 14:2, 3), a great mansion, and all who will live there are selected with great care (2 Cor. 7: 1; Rom. 8:28, 29; Luke 12:32; Rev. 14:1-5; Psa. 107:3, 7).
He has furnished me such abundant information about this home and the beauties of that country, that I am not only ready to move, but rejoicing that the day is so near when I shall see him, be like him and share his glory as his joint-heir (1 Pet. 1:3-8; 1 John 3:1-3). One of my friends has written me that he gave up everything here, that he might live in those mansions (Phil. 3:7-14; 2 Tim. 3:10- 12; 4:6-8), and others have written me also (2 Pet. 1:13, 14; Jude 24; 2 John 8). 1 hear that many others, some living in fine houses with bright prospects, are also giving up everything here to live in that home (Matt. 10:37, 38; Psa. 45:10).
I am enjoying so much the samples of the fruits he has sent me from that country (Gal. 5:22, 23; Phil. 4:7, 8; Eph. 3:17-19; 5:19, 20) that I long to go where I will enjoy them in their fullness (Psa. 16:11) and meet those who have preceded me (Rev. 2:7, 10, 17; 3:5, 11, 12, 20, 21). And my brother wants to see me too (John 17:24) and assures me that his Father and my Father loves me even now (Psa. 103:13; John 16:27).
He has prepared a great banquet especially for this select company (Rev. 19:5-9), all of whom have made themselves ready (Matt. 25: 1 0; Rev. 19:7, 8) for this great event beside which all other hopes and ambitions are mere bubbles in comparison (Rev. 22:20).
I trust that you are also getting ready to move (Matt. 6:19-21).