Today we heard news that the father of one of our church members has gone home to heaven. This man had fought a long battle with cancer and now he’s at peace – no more suffering, no more pain.

As Christians we sorrow not as others. Our sorrow really isn’t for Ben. Ben passed from life to life – eternal life. We grieve for his family who will miss him. We grieve for those of us left behind. Everything is glorious for Ben beyond the reach of sin’s power and presence. Face to face with the One who loved him enough to sacrifice His life for Ben.

My mind has been flooded with songs of heaven – most written by Fanny J. Crosby, the blind hymnist. The one my mind keeps going back to is “Saved By Grace”. By her own admission it was one of her favourite hymns and gave her great comfort. I think it is especially poignant for her because Jesus was the first face she would ever see.

Some day the silver cord will break,
And I no more as now shall sing;
But oh, the joy when I shall wake
Within the palace of the King!

Refrain:
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story—Saved by grace;
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story—Saved by grace.

Some day my earthly house will fall.
I cannot tell how soon ’twill be;
But this I know—my All in All
Has now a place in Heav’n for me.

Some day, when fades the golden sun
Beneath the rosy tinted west,
My blessed Lord will say, “Well done!”
And I shall enter into rest.

Some day: till then I’ll watch and wait,
My lamp all trimmed and burning bright,
That when my Savior opens the gate,
My soul to Him may take its flight. 

Heaven grows a little sweeter every day.