The front door slammed shut for the last time, ending the family morning rush to school and work. The sudden stillness seemed almost heavy, and perhaps that is why three-year-old Candy slipped onto the couch beside Mother for a little chat. Mother had settled herself there with a second cup of coffee to enjoy her small daughter. They often sat together like this, and Mother would share what was on her mind.
The family station wagon was old and had many mechanical problems. There was an ongoing dream and prayer with this family of seven to purchase a nice, large van that would end all problems and be just right for trips. Candy often chattered away about such plans, but today her thoughts went deeper.
Finally she asked, “Mommy, how is the Lord going to let us know when our own van is ready? Will He just call down from heaven and say, ‘Your van is ready!’“?
Now, I suppose you are smiling as Mother did, but with her smile was a tear of thankfulness for Candy’s simple faith. But you laughingly might say, “God doesn’t call down from heaven!” Oh? But hasn’t He? Since time began He has been calling down, sometimes out loud and sometimes with written words. Then wonder of wonders! He came down in the person of the blessed Lord Jesus. The written words He left us, although not so startling as vocal calls, are really best—because we can read and reread them to be sure we understand their meaning.
God has something for us too—something of far greater value than a nice van. Listen. In the Bible in Matthew 22, Jesus speaks of a great marriage supper in heaven, which God has prepared for His Son. He wants you to be a part of it and to have a home in heaven with Him. Jesus said, “Behold ... all things are ready: come unto the marriage” (vs. 4). Then in Matthew 24:4444Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:44) He says, “Therefore be ye also ready.” How does a person get ready for such a wonderful thing? We must be clean, perfectly clean of any stain of sin, for heaven is a holy place. Old sins, forgotten sins, “little” sins—all must be gone! We cannot do one thing to make ourselves clean. So we have a problem. The Son of God Himself came down to help us with this need.
Now the question is, Are you ready? God is, and He still calls to you from heaven.
ML-03/08/2009