A Hero's Welcome

From the day that David killed Goliath, he was taken into the house of king Saul. David “went out wherever Saul sent him and behaved himself wisely.” Saul set him as a captain over the men of war, and the people delighted in him. Every time they returned from war, David would get a hero’s welcome. Happy people lined the streets, women came out singing and dancing, and musical instruments were played loudly, as they paraded them into the city (1 Samuel 18:5-7).

Have you ever thought about the welcome awaiting us when we get to Heaven? The Bible says that those who lovingly serve Christ through these days, who stand firm on the Word of God, and who diligently grow in their faith, have this assurance… “For so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:11). In other words, a hero’s welcome awaits you!

David did not fight Goliath in his own power, or a single battle after that. Nor do we. From the moment we turned from the world to follow Christ, we walk in His victories and overcome by His power… “Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the fragrance of His knowledge through us in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14). 

It is those who overcame by the blood of the Lamb that bring out the hero’s welcome of Heaven. Think of it – Jesus brings everyone from Heaven to meet us in the air! (1 Thessalonians 3:13, 4:14). They will pour out into the skies to escort us Home and what a parade it will be with Jesus leading the way!

Let the world mock. Just trim your lamps and be ready.

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)