Ready to Move
The sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared for our transition to a heavenly home, encouraging believers to trust in God's promises and rejoice in the journey.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the transient nature of our earthly lives compared to the eternal home God has prepared for us in heaven. Using the analogy of preparing to move from a decaying house to a beautiful new country, he emphasizes the anticipation and joy believers should have in looking forward to their heavenly home. Just as Jesus spoke of 'going to the Father,' Christians are reminded that they are journeying towards the fulfillment and expansion of life in the Father's House, where His nearer presence awaits. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God like the little birds that sing joyfully as they journey to their summer-lands, reminding us that our times are in His hands and death is merely a transition to a better place.
Text
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Cor.5:1).
The owner of the tenement which I have occupied for many years has given notice that he will furnish but little or nothing more for repairs. I am advised to be ready to move.
At first this was not a very welcome notice. The surroundings here are in many respects very pleasant, and were it not for the evidence of decay, I should consider the house good enough. But even a light wind causes it to tremble and totter, and all the braces are not sufficient to make it secure. So I am getting ready to move.
It is strange how quickly one's interest is transferred to the prospective home. I have been consulting maps of the new country and reading descriptions of its inhabitants. One who visited it has returned, and from him I learn that it is beautiful beyond description; language breaks down in attempting to tell of what he heard while there. He says that, in order to make an investment there, he has suffered the loss of all things that he owned here, and even rejoices in what others would call making a sacrifice. Another, whose love to me has been proven by the greatest possible test, is now there. He has sent me several clusters of the most delicious fruits. After tasting them, all food here seems insipid.
Two or three times I have been down by the border of the river that forms the boundary, and have wished myself among the company of those who were singing praises to the King on the other side. Many of my friends have moved there. Before leaving they spoke of my coming later. I have seen the smile upon their faces as they passed out of sight. Often I am asked to make some new investments here, but my answer in every case is, "I am getting ready to move." --Selected
The words often on Jesus' lips in His last days express vividly the idea, "going to the Father." We, too, who are Christ's people, have vision of something beyond the difficulties and disappointments of this life. We are journeying towards fulfillment, completion, expansion of life. We, too, are "going to the Father." Much is dim concerning our home-country, but two things are clear. It is home, "the Father's House." It is the nearer presence of the Lord. We are all wayfarers, but the believer knows it and accepts it. He is a traveller, not a settler. --R. C. Gillie
The little birds trust God, for they go singing
From northern woods where autumn winds have blown,
With joyous faith their trackless pathway winging
To summer-lands of song, afar, unknown.
Let us go singing, then, and not go sighing:
Since we are sure our times are in His hand,
Why should we weep, and fear, and call it dying?
'Tis only flitting to a Summer-land.
--Selected
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the temporary nature of our earthly existence - The promise of a heavenly home - The call to be ready to move
- II points: - The beauty and joy of the promised land - The testimonies of those who have gone before us - The encouragement from friends and loved ones
- III points: - The vision of going to the Father - Living as wayfarers, not settlers - Trusting God in our journey
- IV points: - The assurance of God's presence - The significance of faith in our transition - The importance of singing and rejoicing in hope
Key Quotes
“We are all wayfarers, but the believer knows it and accepts it.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Let us go singing, then, and not go sighing.” — Charles E. Cowman
“It is home, 'the Father's House.'” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Reflect on the temporary nature of life and focus on the eternal promises of God.
- Encourage one another with testimonies of faith and hope as we journey together.
- Cultivate a spirit of joy and trust in God's plan, singing praises even in difficult times.