How we long for the day when we shall make the acquaintance of all the redeemed family of God, amid the splendours of the Father’s Home. We eagerly speak of the raptures awaiting us, the soul-stirring song we shall sing, the harps and crowns of gold and the rewards awaiting for faithful service. All this fills us with a strange delight; yet everything else is eclipsed by the longing desire to see the Son of God, who “humbled Himself” in leaving the glory He had with the Father, and becoming of “no reputation,” descending to Calvary’s depth of woe for us. Oh, for a sight of that lovely face, once “marred more than any man” on our account! (Phil. 2:7-8; Isa. 52:14). To see Him now in all His resurrection glory, and to be like Him, and with Him, and that for ever and ever! (1 John 3:2). Oh, weary heart, look up. “For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Heb. 10:37).
Presently we shall shout “Farewell mortality, welcome eternity!” All Heaven, with great expectancy, awaits our home-coming. The triumphal entry into glory of the way-worn pilgrims will be surpassingly grand. Methinks above the “gates of pearl “will shine the words, Welcome Home! Earth’s sighs will give place to hallelujahs; groans will burst into praises; tears will be changed to smiles; sorrow will make way for joy; the heavy heart, the care, the burden will for ever remain on the outer side of those “everlasting doors”; while within, all Heaven is there—all joy. Loved ones whom death parted are restored in a blessed embrace; bosoms heave and eyes gleam with joy!
But who is He that moves in the midst of the vast throng, His face the expression of exceeding joy, and upon whom all. eyes are rivetted? He bears in His glorified body the imprint of nails in His hands and feet, and a spear mark in the side.
“’Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!
’Tis the Lord, the King of Glory!”
The blood-bought hosts of saints crowd around Him; they fall in adoring worship and lay their crowns at His feet; unanimously they declare Him as the only worthy One; “Worthy to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing”; for, say they, “Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood.” And the harpers harp, and the angels praise, and the Courts of Heaven ring again with the outbursts of joy (Rev. 5). Then shall be fulfilled the words of Isa. 53:11, “He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied!”
Oh, weary heart, look up. The prospect is grand. “A little while” and He shall have us all, and for ever!