THE CATCHER

THE CATCHER


READ:
John 14:1-6


If I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and receive you to
Myself; that where I am, there you
may be also.  -John 14:3


Life is a risky enterprise.  Sometimes we fly high, enjoying great success.  But then suddenly we fall into deep disappointments and the haunting reality of failure, leaving our hearts wondering if there is anything worth looking forward to.


At a funeral recently, the pastor told the story about a trapeze artist.  The performer admitted that although he is seen as the star of the show, the real star is the catcher-the teammate who hangs from another trapeze bar to grab him and guarantee a safe landing.  The key, he explained, is trust.  With out-stretched arms, the flyer must trust that the catcher is ready and able to grab him.  Dying is like trusting in God as the catcher.  After we have flown through life, we can look forward to God reaching out to catch His followers and to pull us safely to Himself forever.  I like that thought.


This reminds me of Jesus' comforting words to His disciples:  "Let not your heart be troubled....I go to prepare a place for you.  And...I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:1-3). 


Life is indeed a risky business, but be encouraged! If you have put your faith in Jesus Christ, the Catcher is waiting at the end to take you safely home. -Joe Stowell


Home from the earthy journey,
Safe for eternity;
All that the Savior promised-
That is what heaven will be. - Anon.
*****************************
Our heavenly Father's arms
will one day catch His children.


INSIGHT
When our Lord's crucifixion was near, His focus was not on Himself but on those He loved-those who would believe in Him and become the bride of Christ.  In the ancient Middle East, a young groom would build a new dwelling place near his father's home.  This would serve as his residence after he married and prepared to start a family.  When Christ returns for His bride, the church, He will have already prepared an eternal home for those He loves.  The specifics of Christ "preparing a place for us" are now cloaked in mystery.  Likely it will be part of the new heaven and the new earth described in Revelation 21.  In this radiant new environment, believers will have glorified bodies and experience joy for eternity.