1 Thessalonians 4:17-Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so, shall we ever be with the Lord.
Taking a journey refers to traveling from one place to another. Traveling is so commonplace today that it seems insignificant. People are always going somewhere, both far and near. Do you know that the life you are living is a journey? Our everyday experience indicates that a trip is taking place with every breath of air that we breathe. (Only God knows how many breaths we’ve already taken, and how many more will come.)
According to the Word of God, we are all sojourners or temporary residents on the earth. We are pilgrims, travelers, and strangers, traveling through this land. Soon we will move into a new epoch that has no end. A man was not born to permanent residence on earth, but, according to Psalm 90:10, we are “given three score years and ten, and if by reason of strength fourscore years.” This infallible truth emphasizes that we are traveling from this life to another life after this, which will be our last journey.
Some journeys allocate specific departure and arrival times, but no one knows the day or time that we will leave this earth. It could be at any given moment. The arrival time to life after this, however, is only one breath away from the time of departure. Apostle Paul wrote, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Do you recall what Jesus said as He hung on the cross between two thieves? He said to one of them that, that very day, he would be with Him (Jesus) in Paradise. Both Jesus and the individual took their last breath and went to that Heavenly place called Paradise. When this life is over, there is another life to attain.
Some people may never be able to make a particular journey during their lifetime. The final passage, however, is one journey that will be will be accomplished. No one will be exempt, for it is pre-determined and cannot be canceled. Being aware of this fact, it behooves us to embrace God’s commandments and take our delight in Him. It is He who has prescribed our departure time, and He who has determined when and where we will make our arrival.
So, keep in mind that, after this life is over, every soul is destined to go somewhere. We should each make perfect plans, which will result in having an ideal arrival. We must “count the cost” (Luke 14:28) and ensure that the life that one lives is acceptable unto the God who holds man’s very breath in His hand.
We must be confident that we are on a righteous journey because there is an unrighteous journey. We must travel cautiously, avoiding the enemy of the soul. The devil is enticing many to exit the noble quest, influencing some to take an unfortunate detour or even diverge onto another road. Exiting can be detrimental because some exits never allow re-entry to the main highway. Detours can be just as destructive. Some people detour because they feel unable to handle the situations that they face. That individual must be warned that problems and dilemmas are inevitable throughout life. Taking a detour does not solve the problem. Then some diverge onto other exit ramps, being distracted by and turning aside to worldly distractions. Sadly, they are missing the entire point. There is nothing grander than traveling on the highway of righteousness and endeavoring to reach the new life that awaits.
To complete this journey with victory, travelers must be holy, steadfast, and unmovable. Exits, detours, or divergences are not allowed, and, by-the-way, short cuts do not exist. Staying alert is most vital. The choices we make from day to day determine our journey’s end.
The righteous journey leads to eternal happiness, while the unrighteous tour ends in everlasting destruction. If eternal happiness is not attained, then eternal destruction is automatic. It is unfruitful to waste time, energy, and significant efforts on insignificant and irrelevant matters. Staying organized, prayerful, and competent are worthy endeavors to utilize as we travel. Regardless of the destination or how long our journey may be, the completion of our journey is inevitable.
Prayer is Key: Dear Lord, I thank You for allowing me the opportunity to choose the right path for my eternal destination. I know I will run into obstacles, trials, and sometimes struggles, but help me to gain and maintain the life You expect of me. I ask that You help me to stay focused as I travel this journey. Help me to uphold the perfect demeanor of Holiness, so that I may become a citizen of Your Heavenly Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
