Wild Blue Yonder

We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

A grieving family was discussing what music would be played at the funeral of their Air Force NCO hero. The youngest daughter chimed in, “Mom, since Daddy was in the Air Force, shouldn’t we request the Air Force song?”

“No, dear. We are not playing a song with the words ‘Off we go into the wild blue yonder’ at your father’s funeral!”

Upon death, do we whither off into the wild blue yonder? If you are a believer in Christ, your soul will immediately go into God’s presence singing praises (Psalm 115:17-18). Believers should have no fear of death for not even “death” will separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). So, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting” (1 Corinthians 15:56)? As Christ said to the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Paul would much rather be away from his earthly body and be at home with the Lord because the awesomeness and immediacy of heaven will take out that sting. Notice that your soul does not sleep or go into purgatory. Instead, your spirit experiences a conscious fellowship with God (Philippians 1:23; Luke 23:43; and Hebrews 12:23). Now that is something to sing about.

This world is not my home, I’m just passing through — JR Baxter, Jr.