A old man arrives home alone, no one to greet him at the terminal. Tired and weary, years spent in service to a people hardened to the gospel. His ministry was not the usual fodder for front cover of Christian magazines — you know, the usual “success” story. No one back home wanted to hear his story. He had simply spent his life doing what God wanted him to do. He was not invited to teaching in the seminary chair of missiology or speak at missions conference—apparently, his story was not inspiring enough. He couldn’t muster a recollection of any great “outpouring” of the Spirit’s work.
A famous pop singer’s memorial last week was broadcast on 19 TV networks and drew an estimated 31.1 million viewers. He was talented, though, tormented man but was idolized by many.
A talented golfer, makes an amazing comeback from knee surgery and is destined to be the greatest athlete in his sport. A tennis star just became the winningest player in history and considered now (by other great players) to be the all time greatest.
A man arises from a bi-racial background, with charisma and intelligence (and with an Ivy league education and political connections) to become the leader of the most powerful nation on the earth and is lauded wherever he travels in the world.
A young man wins an annual hot dog eating contest (37 in all!) and is pictured in all major media outlets.
A boy wins the video game challenge to the admiration of his friends.
The old man returns home alone, no one there to greet him. Picture him sitting on his suitcase, with most of his earthly possessions. Discouraged, dejected, alone. Then a voice quietly speaks in his heart, “You are not home, yet.”
Earthly praise fades quickly as heaven praise approaches. All that matters is the acclaim of God, “Well, done, good and faithful servant.” That drowns out all inferior praise. That lasts for eternity. That is worth living for.
(Creatively adapted from an old missionary story)
