“I will not leave you as orphans…'” Jn.14:18
Lord Jesus, it’s only been 24 hours since I got word that 101-year-old Rose Marie Miller—my spiritual mom for over a half-century, has graduated into your presence. What do I feel? Incredible peace, deep joy, and a tiny bit of envy that she is with you and with Jack who preceded her by 30 years. But they are not alone, for they are in that grand gathering of “thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly,” and the growing multitude believers “whose spirits have been made perfect and whose names are written in heaven” (Heb.12:22-23). Glory… on Gospel-steroids!
Hallelujah that heaven is real not hype, our true Home not a religious metaphor, a sensational destination not a sentimental spin. As in the words of Asaph, heaven is “more to be desired than anything on earth” (Ps.73:25); and as the Apostle Paul mused, “better by far” than anything we can hope or imagine (Phil.1:23). So do I feel a little envy? Heck yes. Maybe more than a little, Jesus.
But I’m also feeling a healthy, real sadness that I want to own, sit in, and steward. Jack and Rose Marie made your promise of rescue from “orphan like living” real to me. You promised not to leave us alone when you left to be with our Father. You promised to send the “Spirit of sonship” (Romans 8) into our world and hearts; and Hallelujah you have done so. Thank you a gazillion times over.
But as a part of how that grand promise of “Sonship” plays out—you also give us wingless angels, spiritual moms and dads, two-legged conduits of your grace. They are Gospel-astonished, weakness-owning, loving-from-the-heart friends. That’s who Rose Marie and Jack have been to me. Imperfect people loving me with your perfect grace. I deeply, sorely miss Jack. Now I’ll miss deeply, sorely Rose Marie. But not for long, for we are nearer to heaven than ever. We are nearer to your return to finish making all things new. So Very Hallelujah! Jesus, help me and my friends live and love to your glory until that glorious Day. So Very Amen.
