Devotionals

The Off Ramp

by PamFord Davis 
01/03/19
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A recent funeral service was the celebration of a life well lived. Edward Hilton had truly lived and died by faith.

His earthly life is finished; his journey of faith has ended.

Edward’s journey… Yes, that is how Rayburn McLarrin described it. He had served as Edward’s pastor; he knew him well.

Since a young boy, Edward had been on a journey. He walked with Jesus. Though I had heard the journey analogy countless times, Rayburn’s words were captivating. Edward reached his final destination, absent from the body, he is with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8) I visualized a clearly marked off ramp from a busy highway.

While living in Goodwater, AL, I traveled 280 to-and-from my job in an Alexander City childcare ministry. I was emotionally and physically exhausted at the end of the workday. Seeing my exit to Hwy 9, I began to unwind. Weary, I turned onto the off ramp; I coasted downhill to the road taking me home.

Edward is home.

He has reached his heavenly home. Edward is with Jesus.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:1-6 KJV).”