He thought about the life he’d lived,
How he had spent it all for God.
How he had taught about God’s love
And the many miles he had trod.

No time to have a family
And now his health was going fast.
He had passed the time allotted
But he’d labored until the last.

He had never made the papers
And worldly fame had passed him by.
His fare cost him all his savings,
Just to get home where he could die.

As he strolled along the ship’s deck,
He happened to look in the bar.
There was a throng of people there,
Gathered around a movie star.

He had heard some people talking,
About her rapid rise to fame,
Just one movie made her famous
And now the whole world knew her name.

So he pondered the unjustness,
For he had given all he had.
He had gone where God had sent him,
Leaving his home while still a lad.

When at last they passed the Lady,
Standing there, with her torch held high,
He had held back his emotions
But now no longer would he try.

Then he saw a jubilant crowd,
One that stretched a whole city block.
A band played loud and banners waved,
As their ship pulled up to the dock.

A waving sign said, “Welcome home,
You have been away far too long.”
While out in front a singing group
Burst forth into a happy song.

For an instant he had the thought
That God prepared this all for him.
But then the star appeared on deck
And his brief joy once more grew dim.

Then he began to question God
About rewards so clearly taught.
For the life he’d dedicated
And the all battles he had fought.

As he looked out over the crowd,
He could find no one to meet him.
He had written to his home church;
Wasn’t someone there to greet him?

And then once more he questioned God
About how that he’d been treated.
One of God’s servants coming home,
Is this how he should be greeted?

Then his answer came so clearly,
His expectations would be met.
God’s loving voice in answer said,
“Don’t you know that you’re not home yet?”

Have you ever asked the question, “What has God ever done for me?” In a speech, President Kennedy once quoted, “Ask not what your country can do for you, rather ask what you can do for your country.”

In The Missionary, this dear spent servant of the Lord was expecting some sort of homecoming welcome from his church upon his arrival home from foreign lands. God had to point out to him that praise from men was not something to be sought after and that his real homecoming had yet to occur. I’m sure that he was perfectly willing to wait a little longer for that particular celebration.