Just a couple days ago I was reading the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy. Timothy was a young man whom Paul considered a son. Timothy was now preaching the Good News of Jesus to many new converts and it seems he was running into some resistance because of his youthfulness. Paul sent him a letter to encourage him to keep going and not be bothered by what people were saying about him.
“Don’t let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity. 13 Until I arrive, be sure to keep on reading the Scriptures in worship, and don’t stop preaching and teaching. 14 Use the gift you were given when the prophets spoke and the group of church leaders blessed you by placing their hands on you.” I Timothy 4:12-14 CEV
When I read those words I remembered what it was like to get letters at Summer Camp. After lunch, we would all gather round and the head counselor would do mail call. Everyone stood waiting for their names to be called.
Letter from home were such an encouragement!
While I was in college, the letters kept coming. And there were the care packages too. Boxes sent for nearly every holiday, stickers covering the outside, and inside were her cinnamon rolls, kringla (a Norwegian cookie), chocolate chip cookies and more. I would take the box to the Student Union and after dinner my friends and I would open the box, and everyone got to enjoy a treat from home.
Letters from home were comforting.
Some of you know that my Mom passed away about five weeks ago. She finally got to go to heaven. She was 97 years and 9 months old. She loved us but she loved Jesus more.
Yesterday I went to our Post Office here in the mountains and there were three envelopes in it. A letter from my brother, one from a friend and one from my sister. In my sister’s envelope was a letter from Mom…
Mom knew she wouldn’t be here for my sister and my birthdays this year, so she wrote our cards early and she asked my sister to make sure she mailed mine.
Letters from home were filled with love.
I can’t help but see the correlation between the letters I have received all my life with the one the heavenly Father wrote to us over two thousand years ago.
“Wonderful!” his master replied. “You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!” Matthew 25:21 CEV
Jesus was talking to his disciples about their faithfulness and obedience in doing what the Father had asked them to do. He called them good and faithful servants. And that will be His welcome to all of us when we enter heaven.
“Well done”. His instruction is that we feed the hungry, clothed the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned. Encourage those who are depressed. Telling all that Jesus has paid our debt of sin and the Father loves us unconditionally. We are to bring His letter from home to the world.
Letters from home bring salvation.
Share heaven’s letter with those around you. There’s nothing better than a letter from home!