HOME FOR EVERMORE When a believer in Christ is called away, he or she goes "Home for evermore". That must be a wonderful experience. For those who are left behind, there is great comfort in knowing we will see our loved ones again. The doorway we call "death" will one day open for each of us too and we will be with Christ forever. Elijah had a different experience. It was unusual in so many ways. It is obvious that God told Elijah it was time to come home. But God also told Elisha and the prophets at both Bethel and Jericho that this was the day of Elijah's departure (vv.3 , 5). Why was God calling Elijah away? Wasn't he needed? The people were still not following the Lord as they should. Yet God was taking home the most powerful and prominent prophet of that time. It is not always easy to understand God's ways. We can only say it was God's time for Elijah, and God had Elisha ready to replace him. No one is indispensable. This is one of the best illustrations in the Bible of what is going to happen to a whole generation of Christians when Christ comes the second time. What a moment that will be! Instead of one man being taken, thousands and thousands, even millions will go. First there will be the Resurrection of the bodies of believers. Their souls will come from heaven with Christ and a new body will come from earth for each of them (1 Th 4:16). It will be instantaneous. Then there will be instant rapture for those believers alive, when Christ comes. Even as they are caught up, their bodies will be instantly changed (1 Th 4:17). These earthly bodies would not suit the environment of heaven. They will be changed so that they will last for eternity. What a day that will be! Would you be ready if Christ should come today? If he should call you today? Are you ready? If you have never accepted Christ, why not do it now? |
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