Coming Home

“As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire . . . And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, ‘My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’ And he saw Elijah no more.”
2 Kings 2:11-12 NASB

Mired in often hopeless conditions, African-American slaves struggled to find purpose, meaning, and hope. Yet many found hope through Jesus. In the late eighteenth century, a “gentleman from Virginia” wrote British Evangelist John Wesley, describing how many slaves eagerly were responding to the Gospel. It was a powerful testimony of how lives were changed, and how many expressed their joy in song.

One of the spirituals written by these slaves told about how wonderful it would be to be home with Jesus and, just like Elijah, being caught up into heaven. The spiritual said, “Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home.”

In the midst of life’s problems, the writer could see “a band of angels coming after me.” No matter what happened in his life, he knew he would spend eternity with Jesus: “If you get there before I do . . . Tell all my friends I’m coming, too.”

Their challenges were real, and he confessed, “I’m sometimes up and sometimes down.” But he could experience victory because “my soul feels heavenly bound.” And the “brightest day” for him was “when Jesus washed my sins away.”

The power of these simple words still rings true. And, regardless of any problems you face, God can rescue you! You may not be whisked out of this life on a chariot, but, right where you are, you can be free! Thanks to Jesus, all your sins can be forgiven. You can have peace with God. And you can look forward to spending eternity with Him.

Rejoice in what Jesus has done for you. And tell the world!

Prayer: Father, thank You that Jesus died for my sins. I am so grateful for His death and resurrection. Thank You that I will spend eternity with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.