Revelation 14:13--'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!' "Yes," says the Spirit, "so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them."

 There is nothing more fragile in life than life itself (Job 14:1-2; Isaiah 38:12). We are mortals and as such the day is coming when in just a moment of time we will lay aside this earthly tabernacle and take that journey from whence we will not return. Our hearts should be set on the wonderful city of God, that's the place we should be calling home (Heb. 11:13; 1 Pet. 2:11). One of our grand old songs says it so well: "This world is not my home--I'm just passing through--My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue--The angels beckon me from heaven's open door--And I can't feel at home in this world anymore."

 

Yes, the day will come when this physical body will cease to exist but that will not mark the end of our existence (2 Cor. 5:1; 1 Cor. 15). The truth is that every step we take in this life just bring us a little closer home and one day we will take that last earthly step. If our love for the world is so great that we spend our lives sowing the lust of the flesh, then when that day comes we will step out into eternity to reap a harvest of condemnation (Gal. 6:7-8). On the other hand if we are laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven, we will reap life everlasting in the land where joy will never end (Matt. 6:19-21; 2 Tim. 4:6-8).

 

Just knowing that when our earthly tabernacle is dissolved, there awaits a home not made with human hands should put a gleam in our eyes, a smile on our face and a bounce in our steps (John 14:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:1). Our pathway through life will sometimes be smooth and easy; sometimes it will be rocky and hard. Whatever it may be, with a faith that will not shrink, with a twinkle in our eyes and a smile on our face, we look forward with great anticipation to the moment in time when we will take that final step (Gal. 2:20;  Phil. 1:21-23).

 

Charles Hicks