Sir Godfrey Gregg OPHM, ROMC
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Cor.5:1).
The owner of the tenement which I have occupied for many years has posted “For Sale” notice that he will sell and little or nothing will be done to improve the living conditions. I am advised to be ready to move. Where am I going? I am not sure but I am packing whatever earthly possession I have that has kept me comfortable in this life for the next location.
At first, this was not a very welcome notice. The surroundings here are in many respects very pleasant and were it not for the evidence of decay, I should consider the house good enough. But the neighbourhood is getting saturated, and all the signs are saying time is up. So I am getting ready to move.
It is strange how quickly one’s interest is transferred to the prospective home. I am in touch with my daughter and progress on my new home is coming along. I am in touch daily with progress and the investments in the country; It is a matter of time and hopes that I will eventually make my move and a place for my transition to my heavenly home. This world will soon, no longer be my home because I am only passing through. There awaits a better place in store for me. Such beautiful words I will one day hear “Come, my son, enjoy the pleasures of your Father which was prepared for you from the foundation of the world”. Hallelujah
There is no foundation here for me, I enjoyed every day being here and have wished myself among the company of those who were singing praises to the King on the other side. I wondered if those singing are in this part of the world or on the other side. Many of my friends are moving back to their homeland and there are many who expressed interest to visit. Before leaving they spoke of my coming later. I have seen the smile on their faces as they passed out of sight. Often I am asked why not buy a house and settle down, but my answer in every case is, “I am getting ready to move.”
The words often on Jesus’ lips in His last days express vividly the idea, “going to the Father.” We, too, who are Christ’s people, have a vision of something beyond the difficulties and disappointments of this life. We are journeying towards fulfillment, completion, expansion of life. We, too, are “going to the Father.” Much is dim concerning our home-country, but two things are clear. It is home, “the Father’s House.” It is the nearer presence of the Lord. We are all wayfarers, but the believer knows it and accepts it. He is a traveller, not a settler.
Brethren, this may be the place most people want because of the notion that it is the greatest nation on earth. I will encourage you to make sure your anchor holds within the vale. This is not an ordinary time we are living in, this is preparation time or in other words “Homegoing time”. Hallelujah. so let me close with the words of this well-known song:
1 My times are in thy hand;
my God, I wish them there;
my life, my friends, my soul, I leave
entirely to thy care.
2 My times are in thy hand,
whatever they may be;
pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
as best may seem to thee.
3 My times are in thy hand;
why should I doubt or fear?
My Father’s hand will never cause
his child a needless tear.
4 My times are in thy hand,
Jesus the Crucified;
those hands my cruel sins had pierced
are now my guard and guide.
THE MYSTICAL COURT 