Do you remember the old Negro Spiritual, “This World Is Not My Home, I’m Just A’Passing Through”? It was probably written during the earliest days of slavery here in the United States. Undoubtedly, as they sang it in their churches and throughout the day, it reminded them of a place where peace and justice would exist; a place where freedom from bondage would be a reality. It may have given them hope and inspired them to “let their light shine” while they were still on this earth. To sing about their friend, Jesus, and to remind themselves of a better home, their eternal home that was coming soon, would likely have given them hope and brought them joy.
When Jesus came to this world, He often told the crowds that He had come to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to them. While He didn’t appear to be the kind of Messiah they were expecting because he did not come as a political or military leader, His message, His miracles, and His promises were supernatural. Quite often He would tell them that those who would believe in Him would not only be reconciled to God, but they would be given the gift of eternal life. Just before His crucifixion, He explained to them that while He would be leaving them after His resurrection, they could look forward to the day when He would return and they would be with Him forever. Then they would see the reality of the New Heaven and the New Earth that He promised and live in the light of His presence forever and ever.
Around the world today, believers are still singing a similar refrain in their own languages and among their own people. They might also be singing, “I want to be ready. I want to be ready. Walk in Jerusalem just like John. If you get there before I do, tell all my friends I’m a-coming too.” It’s the one reality that still brings real comfort and hope.
The Promise of Eternal Life – John 3: 16
