Home Coming: Fellowship Forever
“Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” (Rev 7:12).
The ‘Kakumba Home Coming’ tradition started last year and this week on 09th Nov 2014, we take a special moment to welcome old girls and old boys as well as the present members of this growing Chapel. The whole idea of Home Coming has been held in other circles for various meanings, but it also reminds a Christian of the pilgrimage status here on earth that should culminate in a grand Home Coming when we get to heaven. John’s revelation contains glimpses of what it will be like – all the saints and elders and angels gathered together, praising joyfully and with the Lord Jesus Christ in a fellowship forever. How blessed are those that have this living hope!
I shared about ‘Example’ last week, and following the right example is a pre-condition to the ultimate glorious Home Coming. We reflected on some particular strength aspects that were exemplary in Paul – he called on his listeners to imitate his conduct, his hard work … and today we continue with the list:
3. Endurance and Patience: Paul had all moral authority to encourage believer to endure and be patient, after all his share of suffering for Christ’s sake was so much that even his disciples tried many times to convince him not to go the ‘trouble zones’ to no avail. For the sake of the gospel and for the imminent glorious fellowship after this pilgrimage on earth, many believers across all time have endured very tough situations. We are warned by Jesus himself of troublesome times that may come about us, But the one who endures to the end will be saved (Matt 10:22).
4. Thanksgiving: His discourses started and ended with thanksgiving; in all circumstances he found reason to give thanks, and later he would write, ‘give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’ (1Thess 5:18). In giving thanks we turn our eyes to God’s benevolent grace and blessings to us even on this pilgrimage in a fallen world.
5. Faith: Paul does not claim to be the end; he rather points further to Christ: ‘Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ’ (1Cor 11:1). Faith is the vehicle that will carry you over the deceitful pleasures and tough and rough patches of this life to the ultimate Home Coming. The challenge is not just to follow the good example, but also to BE an example for others to imitate. Ask the Lord to sharpen in you those strengths that others need to imitate, and come with many to be part of the great multitude before the throne of Heaven and enjoy sweet fellowship forever.
God bless you.