Even Better

Bible Reading: Psalm 16:11; Philippians 1:21-23

On the way home from church, Joanna noticed her brother quietly staring out the window. “What’s wrong, Derek?” she asked. “You’ve hardly said a word since we got in the car.”

Derek sighed. “I was just thinking about what Pastor Hill said about Jesus coming again.”

Joanna frowned. “Don’t you want Him to come?”

“Sure…someday,” Derek replied.

“Sometimes I wish He’d come right away,” said Joanna, “like before my math test tomorrow.”

“If you’d study, you wouldn’t have to wish that,” Derek said.

“Wishing for Him to come soon is a good thing,” said Joanna. “Grandma always ends her prayers with ‘Lord, come quickly,’ remember?”

“That’s easy for her to pray—she’s old!” Derek said. “I want a dog first, but if Jesus comes too soon, I’ll never get to have one.”

Dad smiled. “Remember the camping trip we took last summer? I promised we’d go, but we couldn’t set an exact date because I didn’t know when I’d be able to get off work. So we got all our camping stuff ready and then went on with our daily lives.”

“That’s right,” said Mom. “When Dad finally said he could go, we hopped in the car and took off. Nobody wanted to stay home and miss all the fun of camping, even if it meant not being able to do other things we had planned.”

“You’re saying that being with Jesus will be even better than having a dog, aren’t you?” Derek asked.

“Better than we can imagine!” Dad said. “He’s always with those who trust in Him, but when He comes back, we’ll be able to see Him face-to-face. Until that time comes, He wants us to keep living our lives and growing in our relationship with Him. Working, learning, making plans, having fun—those are all important things God wants us to enjoy, but none of them compare to what it will be like when we’re with Jesus.”

“Well, I still hope I get to have a dog while I wait for Jesus to come!” Derek said.

“And maybe He wants you to have a dog too,” said Mom. “But then again, maybe not. Trust Him on it either way, okay?”

Derek smiled. “Okay.” – Bonnie L. Kinne

How About You?

Have you ever hoped Jesus wouldn’t come back before you had the chance to do certain things? Are there places you want to see, people you want to meet, or activities you’d like to try? It’s normal to hope and plan for things like that, but remember that nothing compares to what awaits for those who know Jesus. Make sure you’re ready by trusting in Him. (See “Have You Heard the Good News?” on page 108.)

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Corinthians 5:8 We are…well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Today’s Key Thought:

Heaven will be better than earth