Dad Returns

 

Every few months or so, I get the urge to watch one of those videos where the dad returns home from war and surprises his kids at school or at some event. For me, they never grow old, and I cry every time. There is just something that touches a human heart in such a moment that it transcends accurate description and one can only respond with tears of joy.

This morning I spent a few minutes watching one of those videos titled “Dad” on YouTube. While each scene has its amazing moment, there is one where a little girl is lightly clapping with her classmates while a soldier walks into the room. Her tiny smile stops, the hands no longer move, her body freezes, and she begins to realize a dream is coming true. This is not just any soldier; this is my dad. Her hands instinctively cover her face as if to make certain she is not dreaming. She then gathers her strength, stands, and runs towards him for the long awaited embrace. In that moment, all of the sleepless nights, unending worries, and terrifying possibilities stop and only pure joy fills the heart.

I don’t always sleep well. I sometimes get out of bed the next morning with trepidation, fearing what the day will bring. There are days I simply struggle to live life and feel like a failure when the sun goes down. Also, I don’t associate well with those who can’t relate to such thoughts, fears, and concerns, and instead, always seem to have life wrapped around their finger.

When I watch those videos, the Holy Spirit reminds me that such a day is coming for those who are eagerly awaiting the Savior’s return (Heb. 9:28). I am that child who keeps looking for his Heavenly Father, I continually search for signs of His return, and I read His love letter to His children; in particular, where He makes a few things vividly clear… “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.” (1 Thes. 4:16-18). Notice the emphasis on Jesus coming and not an ambassador, but Jesus Christ Himself is coming. This tells me that as much as I want to see Him, He wants to be with me even more. I long for His embrace where He wipes those fears, worries, and “what-ifs” away.

Verse eighteen says to encourage the Body of Christ with this truth. So for those who can relate to a weak and weary soul, rest in His unbreakable promise…HE WILL RETURN and wipe your tears never to return to sorrow. Even so, come Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:20)

 

Medal of Honor is Present!

On 9-11-11 a good friend of mine, Jay, had the opportunity to attend a special military event commemorating the events of 9-11-01. Top generals, dignitaries, and select prominent people were in attendance.

Sitting at Jay’s table was a well-known sports franchise owner. Gold and diamond laced rings from national championships that his team has won over the years adorned the man’s hands. One could not help but notice the glittering trophies on nearly every finger.

As the evening continued, a general took the lectern and began to speak. The general abruptly stopped his speech and loudly proclaimed, “Medal of Honor is present!” The entire room of individuals jumped to their feet, came to attention, and saluted this man wearing the Medal of Honor. The room was silent as everyone watched him walk to his seat. The sound of each step resonated through the auditorium. Once he took his seat, the ceremony continued as normal. Jay looked over at the professional sports team owner who was looking at his hands and politely whispered, “They don’t mean much compared to that do they?” The man knowing the truth of that profound statement had to nod in agreement and state with a low voice, “No, they sure don’t”.

As I heard this story, my mind raced to the day when I will stand before my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Bible speaks of crowns we will receive for the works we do in this world. He will place them on our heads but we will not go to a mirror or proudly tell others about our accomplishments. No, in a sense, we will loudly proclaim, “Medal of Honor is present!”


When we view our feeble attempts to do good works compared to The Good Work accomplished by the Mighty King, we will have no desire to wear our crowns. We will gladly take them off and throw them at the feet of the One and Only, the Truth and the Life, the Light of this world, and the Lamb that took our real sin and really paid for it in full.

Good works are just that, good. They are nothing more and nothing less. They are good. We do not call them saving works because no good work can save anyone from the necessary righteous judgment of a holy and blameless God.

Medal of Honor is present!

Have you accepted His free reward that only He has earned?