Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

"…we who are still alive and remain on earth will be
caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air
and remain with him forever."
1 Thessalonians 4:17 NLT

"The story is told of an old missionary couple
returning to the States after many years of thankless
service in Africa. They happened to be on the same
ship to New York as President Theodore Roosevelt,
who was returning from a big game hunt in Africa. As
the ship pulled past the Statue of Liberty and into the
dock, huge crowds were gathered to welcome him
home. The press was out in full force, and thousands
of people had come to get a glimpse of the president.

In the middle of the chaos, the aged missionary
couple fought their way through the crowds with their
large suitcases in tow. Silently they hailed a cab and
made their way to a cheap hotel. The missionary sat
on the bed and said to his wife, "It just doesn't seem
right. We gave our lives to Christ to win souls for the
Kingdom in Africa, and when we arrive home there is
no one here to meet us. The president shoots a few
animals and receives a royal welcome."

His wife sat beside him on the bed and said softly,
"That's because we're not home yet, dear."

It may seem at times as if our work for Christ is going
unnoticed. Faith doesn't bring a lot of praise on this
earth. But that's only because our trip is not yet over.

Our day will come, you can be sure. And when it does,
the ceremony will last for an eternity.