Just Passing Through

Just Passing Through
by: Pastor David Wood

Revelation 21:3-4 NIV
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
This world is not our home. We are just passing through. Some of us humans don’t spend long here at all and a small percentage of us reach triple digits. Then all the rest of us fall somewhere in between. We, here on earth, feel that a long life is a blessing and most of me agrees with that view. There is a part of me however, that wonders if it is actually the other way around. The main point is that we truly are all passing through this finite world we live in into eternity.

And though there is tremendous beauty here, there is also lots of ugliness, pain and times of loss. And the truth is that we get attached to many things here as well as we struggle and make the best of this thing we call, “life.”

This week we experienced one of the painful and ugly losses. At 7:30pm on the 23rd, one of our church members and my friend, Gary, was crossing the street and was hit by a vehicle and passed from this life to the next. In an instant, Gary was removed from all the cares of this world and put into the loving presence of Jesus. That had to be quite a moment. Sadness from our side, pure joy from Gary’s side.

If you had ever been to our church and Gary had found something humorous, you would have immediately recognized him by his beautiful and contagious laugh. It would instantly paint a smile right on your face. His laugh was bigger than life. I am willing to bet that laugh is doing the same thing in heaven right now. And heads are turning with smiles painted on their faces and asking, “Who is that?”

Gary was so kind and appreciated everything. I liked to pick him up and grab a meal together. No plans, it was just to spend time and to let him know I appreciated him. Each time during the meal, he would ask me, “Do you know what the greatest thing about growing old is?” I’d say, “What?” and he would say, “Absolutely NOTHING!” and then break out in his belly laugh that would turn heads in the whole restaurant. I loved it and I loved Gary. And my heart has been broken since he left. But Gary is happy, healed, whole and home! All the cares of this world were left behind. All the pain, struggles and sorrows are no more.

Bad things happen in this world we live in. But it will not always be this way. One day, we will go into eternity. Gary closed his eyes to this side of eternity and opened them again in the presence of his Savior. And that is where we are headed one day as well.

We do not know when our time will be. Our lives are a gift and we just need to spend our time well and be ready. Like being packed for a glorious trip. Keep your bags packed and be ready to go. If the Lord tarries, we will all cross over into the presence of our Lord and Savior and begin eternity. A place with no more death, crying, pain or tears. Then, we too, will be home.

Carry On,
David Wood - WBC Worship Pastor

Your support and generosity helps reach the lost with the good news of Jesus! I would like to thank all of you who have supported the work of the ministry at Water Brooks Church! You have been generous with your offerings and for that we are grateful!

Church at the Water Brooks is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law and are used to further our mission. Church at the Water Brooks tax identification number is 85-1283920.