A privilege of being a pastor is getting to encourage people as they take their last steps on this earth and prepare to take their first steps in glory. I experienced that recently when a beloved member of our congregation passed from this life to the next.

Allan had faithfully served his family and congregation for many years. But as he entered his 90s his body did not permit him to serve in the ways he had before. He was still serving by encouraging and praying. But he was frustrated about the many things he couldn’t do, and how he needed help from others. He was ready to go be with the Lord.

Over the last couple of years, as we talked about the promises in the Bible that tell what happens to those trusting Jesus when this life ends, Allan was encouraged and at peace. He believed Jesus when He says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2). It didn’t trouble Allan to talk about this life coming to an end. He had a firm hope that Jesus died on the cross for his sins, rose again from the dead, and was now preparing a place for him.

Allan served honorably for 20 years in the U.S. Army. Like every soldier, Allan must have been called at some point to appear before superior officers. As he thought about meeting Jesus, however, his attitude wasn’t like a scared private about to face a stern general. His attitude was more like a son looking forward to soon going home to be with His Father.

The Lord is most definitely our Commander and Superior who reigns over us. Apart from faith in Christ, appearing before the Lord would be more terrifying than a disobedient private having to answer to the meanest, most demanding general in the entire army.

Faith in Christ makes it possible to have a different attitude about appearing before the Lord. We don’t fear when we are trusting in what Jesus did at the cross. We are children who know we are loved and wanted. When we go to meet the Lord we “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4). Because of Jesus, we get to look forward to being welcomed home.