Going Home.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud Link.

“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.'” 
Psalm 122:1

Coming back to Saint Louis Seminary for the first time since my graduation in 1982, I experienced many emotions.  Memories of hard work, good friends, spiritual highs and lows all mixed with both my joy and my grief.

The highlight of the visit was the first morning we worshiped in the new Chapel of Saint Timothy and Saint Titus.  There had been no chapel when I was at seminary, just an auditorium converted for that purpose.  As I stood in the midst of faculty, students, and guests in the beautiful worship space, we began to sing the Te Deum.

“The glorious company of the apostles praise You.
The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise You.
The noble army of martyrs praise You.
The holy Church throughout all the world does acknowledge You…”

As I sang, it was as if I was standing with all the saints of 2000 years, all those who had gone before me and who would come after me.  I thought of dear loved ones who are singing in heaven, dear friends scattered throughout the world preaching the Good News of Jesus, and children yet to be born who will praise Him.

I began to weep.  Not just a little “misty eyes,” but full scale sobbing and weeping.  I was sad, yes, at those who have passed, but mostly I was overwhelmed by the joy and gladness of being in the presence of the Lord Jesus with all the saints.  I was so glad to be there, so glad to praise Him, and so overjoyed to be part of the great multitude of saints.

I realized how good heaven must be.

“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.'”  And so we shall praise Him forever and ever. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO