It's Evening, Time To Come Home

It’s Evening, Time To Come

Home! By Charles E. Stovall, Ph. D.

When I was a boy, my trusting parents would let me play with the children in the neighborhood. My brother and I would play with our friends until dusk came. As the shades of evening began to engulf us, my mother or my father would call us home – in their own unique and individual way – saying “Its evening, boys, it’s time to come home.” If I live a hundred years, I will never forget the finality of that call. Sometimes, my father would enforce his call with a whistle which only he could sound. I will never forget, however, the warmth of the thought, “It’s evening, boys, time to come home.” Home is a wonderful sounding word, especially at evening, when the day is done. Home, a place of genuine concern, a place of warm security, a place of love, of sharing, of comfort, and of happiness. Home, a place where we are understood and loved, in spite of our shortcomings and fumbling mistakes. Home has always had a special and precious meaning when

evening came tome as a boy, and when it was time to come home. Somehow, all my problems and troubles shrank and disappeared at home at evening time. I found warmth there for my body, food – and what tasty food!! – for my stomach, and a special concern for my well-being. I found a particular kind of pal in my father – who knew how to work my math problems, problems which I found to be both distasteful and impossible!

toils and tears which so often beset us here.

I will never forget the tireless patience of my wonderful and loyal mother whose eyes grew tired reading aloud my English lessons to me – the works of William Shakespeare – while I slept! But there was kindness, understanding, warmth, concern, and plenty of love and laughter, and unbounded happiness – at evening time, when it was time to come home!

I realize it is not easy, at times, to accept the fact that there is a place beyond this life which is more significant, more enduring, and more wonderful, but the word of God assures us in very clear, and understandable language that there is such a place, and that there are such marvelous joys! Jesus said: “He who conquers, I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I myself have conquered and sat down with my Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21). John said he heard a voice from heaven saying: “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth. Blessed, blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.” (Revelation 14:13).

As I reflect on those early days of my life and the peace and security I found at home when evening came, I am reminded of the precious and sweet promises in God’s word, which assure us that, at evening time, it will be time to come home. What a great homecoming that will be! There will be warmth and love understanding, peace like we never knew in this life, and complete freedom from

These Scriptures remind us of the firm assurances of that old song, “When all my labors and trials are o’er, and I shall rest on that beautiful shore, just to be near the dear Lord I adore, will through the ages be glory for me.” The world promises much, but in reality gives very little. Here we have pain, disappointment, toil, tears – but on the other shore God will wipe all tears from our eyes,

and there will be no more pain, no suffering, no sorrow. Here we become burdened by the decisions we are daily called upon to make, the struggles which are constantly ours to bear, sorrow and separation which we are at times called upon to experience. And we grow tired! We sometimes become faint and discouraged. At times, even the darkness seem to surround us and envelop us. In due season, we will reap if we do not faint. When evening for each of us comes, if we have obediently trusted in Christ, we will, by God’s marvelous grace, through His mercy, hear him say: It’s evening – time to come home.” Let us rejoice in this hope, and let us pray, “Even so, COME, LORD JESUS!”

Be filled with hope for an eternal life at last, Let God heal the ills of the past, Let His loving kindness attend you each step you take, Let Him help you your anguish forsake. -

Charles E. Stovall

God is able to bring us safely home to enjoy His eternal bounty and blessings, at evening, when it’s time to come home! His steadfast love never fails, His blessings never come to an end. He will give us the crown which he has promised to those who love Him – the crown of life that does not fade away!

Be joyful as you new courage take, Let God help you sin’s pathway forsake, Let Him provide a new spirit within, Let Him shield you from the ravages of sin.

TIME TO COME

HOME! ________ A REVERENT AND APPRECIATIVE LOOK TOWARD THE ETERNAL HOME THAT AWAITS THE SAVED

“Be still, O Troubled Heart, today, Let God’s joys and blessings come your way, Let peace and hope flood your angushed soul, Let God make you completely whole. Be calm amid worry and tempestuous Strife, Let God’s promises enthrall your life, Let strength and power flow from Him along the way, Let His guidance and love free you from all dismay.

IT’S EVENING

_________ Published by

Christian Concepts, Inc. 32 White Bridge Rd., Ste. 510 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37205-1429

BY Charles E. Stovall, Ph. D.