Coming Home

 His breaths came short and forced. The slow beeping of the monitors that filled the room added to the heaviness that filled the hospital room. Friends and family filed in and out of the room, saying their goodbyes to the man who lay motionless on the hospital bed. A woman in the corner watched the scene, a steady stream of tears flowing down her face.

The palace was vibrant with color and bustling with activity. Angels and those who came before went here and there preparing for the celebration feast. The King himself oversaw the preparation for the feast, he watched as the last details were put into place. The King smiled and whispered to himself, "My son's coming home today."

The room had emptied and all who remained now were the closest family members. Some tried to stay strong for the man's last few moments in this realm while others sat far into the corners of the room, crying, as they watched their loved one's life slowly leave him.

Everything was ready, all that was left now was for the guest of honor to arrive. The King hushed the excited crowd who stood waiting, and with a smile on His lips He opened His mouth to speak, "Today, we celebrate the homecoming of my son!" The crowd let out a cheer that filled the entire hall. Once it had all quieted down the King continued, "My son has completed his commission in the earthly realm and now I'm bringing him home to rest." 

The room sat in a hushed dread as the beeping of the monitors began to slow. The woman that sat in the corner got up from her seat and walked slowly over to the hospital bed. Her hands shook slightly as she laid them on the hands of the man on the bed. The man's lips parted ever so slightly and although barely audible he spoke. "Jesus," came his raspy voice, "I'm ready to come home."

The King then turning away from the crowd, walked slowly down from heaven, into the hospital room where the old man lay. The King walked past the monitors and the downcast faces, and reached out His scarred hand to the man that lay on the bed. The man's eyes slowly opened and with a new life inside him he lifted his hand, taking the King's. 

The life had left him, those who looked strong broke, and those who were already broken fell to pieces. The woman sitting on the side of the bed turned her eyes away and slowly drew her hand away from his. Getting up slowly she returned to her place in the corner of the room and let her head fall into her hands. It wasn't long before a small hand gently touched her shoulder making her look up. The little girl slowly climbed into the woman's lap and laid her head on the woman's chest. "Don't be sad, Grandma," the little girl whispered, "Grandpa went to be with Jesus." The woman stroked the little girl's curly hair and let the tears spill down her cheeks. "Yes, darling, he did."

The crowd erupted in applause as the King led his son into the palace. The man looked around the room in awestruck wonder. The pained expression on his face had left him and now he stood before the King with new life. Turning to the King he fell to his knees. The King smiled as he looked down on His beloved child, "Look at me," he commanded gently. The man lifted his eyes. "Well done my good and faithful servant." With that the King lifted the man to his feet and hugged him. Whispering in his ear the King told the man, "Welcome home." Now turning to the crowd he announced, "Tonight is a night of rejoicing! Let's celebrate the homecoming of my beloved child!"

The room was empty except for the woman who hadn't yet moved from the corner. 

As the man rejoiced, the King turned his attention away from the celebration down to the woman who sat alone in the hospital room.

"I wasn't ready for you to take him," the woman wept. 

The King reached down from heaven and gently placed his hand on the woman's head. "Blessed are those who mourn..."

"...for they shall be comforted." The woman finished as a wave of peace washed over her. She opened her eyes and wiped the tears from her eyes. An assurance came over her, "He's in the best place he could be, he's home," she whispered.

The King had brought his son home, out of the broken, hurting earthly realm, into the perfect heavenly realm. The man's worries were over, his fears were removed, his brokenness was healed, and his emptiness was made whole. As for those he left behind, the King stayed very near to them, bringing them comfort and the assurance of Home...