Don’t It Make You Wanna Go Home?
Don’t It Make You Wanna Go Home?
By Dennis Huebshman
There was a song released in 1968 by Joe South, that was not actually a “church-type” song, but the question asked can apply to our desire to leave this earth and be with Jesus. The English isn’t really proper, but the gist of the question is plain.
It’s actually a song about the singer wanting to return to his home in Georgia. One line in the song is repeated numerous times. “All God’s Children get weary when they roam; Don’t it make you wanna go Home?” (emphasis mine)
To me, this could apply to Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me (Jesus), all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take My yoke upon you, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
As we witness all the changes that are taking place now, and knowing the end of the age clock started moving forward May 14, 1948, we are comforted by knowing we are close to being with our Lord. Prior to that day, there was nothing really significant to point to an end-times reference. The declaration that Israel was once again a sovereign nation after more than 2000 years was a major sign given by our Lord and Savior in Matthew 24 and Luke 21. No other nation in the world was ever reborn as happened with Israel. The beginning for Israel was miraculous in itself, as they were attacked by numerous nations around them as soon as the announcement was made. From that start, they have become one of the most prosperous nations, and their armed forces are extremely powerful. Many will deny it, but Israel has been divinely protected. The bible said in several places this would be the case after they returned to their land.
Jesus made special reference to the “Fig Tree” growing new leaves in Matthew 24:32-34 and Luke 21:29-32. He specifically said that the “generation” that saw this – referring to the rebirth of Israel – would not pass until He would come again. It’s been just about 71 years since that re-birth, and the conditions of this world right now supports what Jesus said would be happening. We just don’t know exactly how long “this generation” is scheduled to last.
No matter how long, or how short the time will be that we are here, we need to keep our focus on Our Savior, Jesus the Christ. Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” As long as we have breath in our bodies, we need to use the talents the Father has given us to “…let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) This does not indicate we are saved by our works, but through our serving the Lord, we are an example to others.
There are many believers waiting for the call from Jesus (Rapture), and we all have “gifts” that differ from one another. Not all are to be pastors, or teachers, or missionaries, but whatever talent we know we have, the Father would like us to use it to glorify His Son. (Romans 12:4-8)
Peter continues this thought process in 1 Peter 4:8-11, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. (9) Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (10) As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace; (11) whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
The atmosphere and negative attitude today is as Paul described to Timothy it would be in 2 Timothy 3. In 2 Peter 3:3-4, we’re told, “…knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. (4) They will say, where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep (died), all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”
Sad to say, Jesus knew there would be a falling away, and this is evident with the types of worship (?) services that are appearing. The largest areas of “revival” are in such places as Africa, Iran, China and several other countries other than the United States. People are being martyred today just because they’re Christians. Jews are being singled out just as the Bible said they would be
In our country, the “old-time religion” is just about gone. It’s harder and harder to find a service that sticks to the true word of God. As the Savior and others prophesied, false prophets are increasing, and some “evangelical” churches are giving messages meant to give people the “warm fuzzies”, by putting on entertaining stage productions to keep the audiences entertained. They are not giving the nourishment of the true word that will save their soul. After the Rapture takes place, some of these churches will not see any decline in membership at the next meeting time.
The way is being prepared in our society for the final antichrist to appear. Influential people are talking about “one-world government” and “one-world religion”. After all, we all worship the same god, right? Also, it’s ok to worship any way you want to as long as you attend services and put your money in the plate, right? Jesus, was a “good prophet”, but He’s not the only way to heaven, is He? John 14:6 totally dispels that lie.
Demonic activity is increasing significantly as satan knows his time here is getting short. Just about anything that refers to Christianity is being challenged. Our last president and secretary of state wouldn’t even say “Christians” were killed in Sri Lanka, but they were “Easter worshipers”.
Anything that God said was an abomination is supposedly okay today. It’s no longer just an issue about male or female, but whatever the person wants to choose to be called, or whatever their attitude toward alternate lifestyles are is seen as okay by the secular world view. They don’t understand, God doesn’t change His mind.
To all those people who would like to re-write God’s word to suit themselves, He will allow you to “choose” and have the “free-will” to do just that. However, at that point, your choice of your eternal destiny ends. There is Heaven for all who have accepted Jesus as their Savior (Romans 10:9-13); and there is the Lake of Fire for everyone else. (Revelation 20:11-15) That’s it – no other options are available.
Satan turned against God even before the Garden of Eden, and took about 1/3 of the Heavenly Host with him. God allowed that to happen, but has reserved the final Hell – Lake of Fire – for them. There is no forgiveness for them.
As sinful humans, we have another option. Through the shed blood of Jesus at Calvary, we can be forgiven of all our sins, by calling out to Jesus to save us. This must be done before we take our last breath on this earth. God will turn no one away that truly accepts Jesus. He does not want any of us to fail (2 Peter 3:9), and is being patient in giving us time to make the most important decision we will ever make. He will not wait forever. When we do slip and sin, as everyone will (Romans 3:23), we have been given the pathway to forgiveness in 1 John 1:8-10.
The day is coming soon, when all believers will be taken up; the dead in Christ first, followed by those who are still alive; to meet Jesus in the air. After this, the tribulation will follow, and it will be the worst, most miserable and horrible time this earth has ever seen. There is plenty of room for all who would like to avoid this terrible time, but the time is drawing short. Call on Him today; it’s not too soon to accept Jesus as your Savior.
Maranatha!