An Airport Moment
You’ve seen “airport moments” in movies, right? It’s the moment when two people who haven’t seen each other in awhile melt into each other’s arms. I had the most amazing airport moment a few weeks ago!
Our family planned a vacation at Orange Beach. Our son’s family flew into Pensacola airport where I was waiting for them in the baggage area. Cue the dramatic music! From a distance, Leeland, our grandson, spotted me. His mom let him down and he came running, arms open wide, hollering…LuLu! Lulu is my g’ma name.
I am not kidding when I say everyone in the baggage claim area stopped and was going “awww”. It was just a pretty precious moment. And of course I just melted!
After Lulu finished gushing and glowing, it made me reflect on the moment I will see Jesus. If “airport moments” on earth are that sweet, can you imagine what it will be like to be welcomed home from the Savior?
The Bible gives us some glimpses into what happens at that moment. We know Jesus is there. Ephesians 1:20 tells us Christ is seated at God’s right hand in the heavenly places. Take a look at some “moments” we will experience when we see Jesus based on scripture.
1. We will enter the presence of Jesus…Jesus speaking to the thief on the cross, “And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43. The Apostle Paul expressed his conflicting desire to be present with Jesus but knew he had work on earth to accomplish. “But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.” Phil. 1:23-24.
2. We will enter a place of resplendent glory! Of course, Revelation 21 reveals to us the amazing beauty of the new city. However, it’s true glory comes from Jesus. “And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” Revelation 21:23.
3. We will enter a place where believers will finally be made complete and perfect in Christ. Heaven is a sin-free zone and the only way that happens is if we have been covered by the atoning blood of Christ. “so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”Ephesians 5:27.
4. Will we enter with a welcome embrace from Jesus? I cannot say with certainty there will be an “airport moment” kind of scene – I think it will be a billion times better. Consider Stephen’s home-going. Right before Stephen died from a brutal stoning, Acts 7:55-56 tells us what he saw. “But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Then in verse 59, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Holy Heebie-Jeebies! In my mind, Jesus was waiting to welcome Stephen home.
Oh what moment! If earthly reunions are so sweet, can you just imagine what our heavenly reunion will be like? Arms open wide, melting into the presence of Jesus. My prayer is this: Lord, may these glimpses of glory make the desire to be with You stir in us even greater.
but just as it is written, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
I love the song “I Can Only Imagine”. Take a listen to it, close your eyes, and imagine that moment!
