03.25
“Sit down in the swing, Ken, while I get us some lemonade.” Those words were music to my ears. When I was in my mid 20′s and serving full-time in my first church, I’d stop by the house of Polly Smith, a sweet southern belle. Polly was 70+ years old and oozed wisdom. We’d sit in the shadow of a giant oak tree, sipping homemade lemonade and talking about life.
One hot summer afternoon, I told Polly that I wasn’t very excited about heaven. “I know that sounds unspiritual, Polly, but heaven just doesn’t ‘do much’ for me.” Without hesitation, Polly replied, “Well, that’s normal, Ken. You haven’t lived long enough. But that’ll change. One day, you’ll know more people in heaven than you know on earth. That’s when heaven becomes your home. And when that happens, you’ll be ready to go home.”
As I read about these servants in the Bible, I sense that their hearts were set more on heaven, than on this earth. Maybe it’s because life didn’t offer as many ‘goodies’ as it does today. Americans live under the ‘illusion of the good life’. We honestly believe that life on this earth can be really good for us. But no matter how good life gets, it doesn’t fill that heaven-shaped hole in our heart.
When I hear Esther say, “If I perish, I perish,” I realize that she didn’t live under the ‘illusion of the good life.’ Heaven was her home. Following God meant more to her than anything else. And it’s this perspective that gave her boldness, in spite of her fears.
Polly Smith is still alive today. Her body is failing her. Most of her friends are gone. And when God calls, she’s ready to go home.
What about you? Where’s your home, this earth or heaven? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Also, I want some of you to share how God draws your gaze toward heaven…
