The Ultimate Departure

(II Thessalonians 2)

The word departure carries the meaning of finality in some cases. It is sometimes one of no return; one that brings tears of emotion when a loved one moves away for whatever reason. When the departure of a loved one is through death, nothing will comfort the heart of those left behind. The departure of the spirit from the body is final in the eternal destination of mankind. Life on earth is as if an opportunity to prepare for the eternal, where either heaven or hell awaits us. Some people have had many years of opportunities to make the eternal decision; others, not so long, but nevertheless, they all had the opportunity, with the exception of babies and young children. Death is the departure that will take the span of our entire life lived on earth preparing for. Every chance and opportunity are counted for eternity. As much preparation is needed for our physical departure, it will be needed for the departure to eternity in different aspects. The Apostle Paul lost focus of this world, when he desired to depart from this world and be with the Lord. His close relationship with God gave him the ultimate goal of his life, which was to live for Christ; but his ultimate desire was to be with YAHSHUA. He said, For me to live is Christ and to die is gain (Phil. 1:21-23). It is of greater gain to be with the Lord in eternity, than to be on earth.   The joyous and peaceful life we will experience in heaven in the presence of our Lord and Savior- YAHSHUA is not to be compared to this earthly temporary joy and peace. Since the world is not our home, and since we are not citizens of it, shouldn’t we desire to depart from this earth to go home? That should be the outmost desire of every believer, for the Bible confirms, We are citizens of the state which is in heaven, and from it also we earnestly and patiently await the Lord YAHSHUA the Messiah, Savior, Who will transform and fashion anew the body of our humiliation to conform to and be like the body of His glory and majesty, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself (Phil. 3:20-21).  The longing for heaven is a sign that we are walking close with the Lord our Savior. Nothing in this world should replace our desire for heaven.

Author: Jacinta da Cruz Rodgers

I have been committed to teaching the truth of the Word of God beginning with Trans World Radio on Bonaire, N.A and Swaziland, Africa (1969-1980), then through churches in the United States in both English and Portuguese and then through ministry in Israel (2005-2006). This ministry continues through local Bible studies and outreach to the world via the internet. I have written a book about my life from that of an orphan in Brazil to missionary in 5 countries. You can find out more on the "Book" page of our blog site. View all posts by Jacinta da Cruz Rodgers