I recently spoke at a Celebration of Life service for a very dear friend. I believe the Spirit had me say to this man’s daughters and wife, because it wasn’t in my notes, “Joe was ready, but he didn’t want to go.” Joe would have loved to stick around to see his much wanted grandkids, but he was ready to depart when Jesus called him home.
I often hear Christians say, “I sure wish Jesus would come back to take us home” in reference to the rapture/home going of the Bride. The context of this statement is usually that they’re tired of living with all the hardships and aches and pains that come with living in this world.
Take it for what’s it worth, but I think Jesus would rather we have Joe’s perspective: We’re ready, but don’t want to go. Jesus loves people and wants  an eternal relationship with them. How will they see Jesus if not through us sticking around, loving and walking with Jesus through the thick and thin of life, and then being ready to share His love with them both verbally and physically?
We know how the world ends. (Read Revelation in case you need a fresh reminder.) Those around us – coworkers, family, friends, the grocery bagger, the cashier at our favorite restaurant – need Jesus! Let’s be ready to go when Jesus calls, but willing to stick around for them to see Jesus in us.
Set Free Now“W”w