Man goeth to his long home

Well, the day is here.  Today is a day of mixed emotions.  On the one hand, we’re glad, as was David, when it was time to go to the house of the Lord.  (Ps. 122:1)  We’re always happy to gather with our spiritual family to honor, worship and praise God.

However, on the other side of our emotional being, this is the last Sunday of the sojourn of Robert and Jennifer Hutton with us at Highland.  They’re leaving us to live and work in another “vineyard.”  In essence, they’re returning home to Oregon.  Isn’t that a natural thing in us humans?  That, no matter how long we’ve been away from “home” we never seem to lose that urge to “go home.”

Of course, I’m referring to our physical, earthly home here, but never forget that someday we’ll all return to our “real home,” our “eternal home.”  Or, as Solomon poetically put it, “man goeth to his long home.”  (Eccl. 12:5)

It’s also our human nature to dread parting with loved ones.  Even if it’s only a temporal parting.  We miss having them present with us and sharing our lives with them.  But, maybe we’re just a bit selfish here too.  We want what we want and not necessarily what they want.

But, the fact remains - it’s a sad occasion when departures such as this occur.  And don’t forget, much of the time it’s sad to both sides of the equation.  To the “leavers” and the “remainers.”  So, in light of this being our last Lord’s Day together I’d like to offer a few wishes to Robert and Jennifer.

First, I recall a similar situation arising during the ministry of Paul when he was working with the Church at Ephesus.  When he was preparing to leave them it says that “they desired him to tarry longer with them.”  The record says that he “didn’t consent” to stay because he had other things he needed to do.  But, he left them with a note of cheer seen in these words: “But I will return again unto you, if God will.”  We just pray that “it’s God’s will” that one day they will be able to return to us.

So, as they bid us “farewell” and likewise, we them, let me offer you a few thoughts as to what’s meant by that term.  It’s a very interesting word depending upon its usage.  And something to note here is the definition of the term “fare.”  It means to manage or to get along.  Keep that in mind as we continue.

The next scriptural illustration we’ll look at comes from Acts 15:29 and what we see there is the Apostles in Jerusalem sending word to Paul and Barnabas at Antioch regarding some things they said needed to be taught.  And, as it related to the success of their teaching, they ended their message with “fare ye well.” 

So, in this sense we say to the Huttons as they continue their lives and teaching efforts in another location, “fare ye well.”  We pray for your future success both temporarily and spiritually.  That you “manage” and “get along” well.

In another usage of the word we find it relating to the results or developments of an endeavor.  In essence, “fare” means to “prosper.”  So, it also remains our prayer that you “prosper” in your new location.  That you “fare well.”

But, in the more familiar usage of the word “farewell” we find it said on the occasion of someone departing and, as already mentioned, it’s a two-way street.  It applies both to those leaving and those remaining.

My first example of this form of “farewell” comes from something said by Abraham Lincoln on the occasion of his leaving home to go to Washington DC to assume the Presidency.  Here is a portion of his departure speech that I feel aptly fits today’s situation. 

He’s telling his friends and loved ones goodbye and, in the final words of his speech, he says that he leaves not knowing whether he’ll ever be able to return.  As to the tasks lying before him, he says:  “Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed.  With that assistance, I cannot fail.  Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let me confidently hope that all will yet be well.  To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.”

Then, in closing our thoughts today, I’m also reminded of another occasion of Paul’s ministry.  He closes his second letter to the Church at Corinth with these most appropriate and heartfelt words.  And I note to you that they work in both directions.

    “Finally, brethren, farewell.  Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one

      mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.”

Respectfully submitted,

Ron Covey