It’s that time of the year again to celebrate Homecoming for the local high school football team.  The Homecoming Queen and her attendants have been selected, classes and clubs are preparing their floats to enter in the Homecoming parade, students are driving their decorated cars to show their school spirit, the band is preparing to march and play, and the cheerleaders are getting ready to perform at the pep rally on the town square.  Members of the football are preparing to face their opponents and looking to score a win. 

        “Words from Above” in the Bible tell us about an even more exciting homecoming that can be celebrated by all those who follow the Lord God of heaven.  The Bible is very clear that this world is not the final home for the followers of God, because this world is only a temporary place to live.  There is a permanent home for the followers of God called heaven, where we can live throughout all eternity.  Even Jesus, the Son of God, stayed on Earth on a temporary basis, and after about thirty-three years He returned to heaven to sit on the right hand of God the Father on His throne.

        In Hebrews 11, the apostle Paul speaks about great men and women of faith who believed in the promises of God.  Although some promises were not fulfilled in their lifetimes, these great men and women of faith believed that the promises would be fulfilled even after they would be dead and gone.  Paul said they were persuaded that the promises would one day be fulfilled, and so they embraced them, and considered themselves to be strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  Paul said that they believed their final destination was a better country called heaven, where they believed God was preparing for them a mansion.

Jesus, the Great Architect of the Universe, once told His disciples that He was returning to heaven and there He would build them a mansion, and then return to gather them up out of the earth and take them with Him back to heaven.  There will be no parade, or marching band, or cheerleading rally, or competition event, or float decorating, or car decorating, or anything such as takes place during football Homecoming week.  Instead, faithful followers of God will be transported with Jesus through the clouds in a victory trip to their eternal home.  They will sit down to eat at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, who is Jesus, the Son of God.  They will worship the Almighty God of the Universe on bended knee before His throne day and night.  Be sure to join in the celebration.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For information, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.