Farewell, vain world! I'm going home!

The following hymn, often sung by sacred harp singers, is one I learned shortly after I was converted at age 16. Ever since then I have often repeated those words in my mind. Since I am in my last days (having a terminal disease), I find myself uttering the lines of this hymn. The other day, while thinking about coming to the end, I said "Farewell vain world I'm going home, my Savior bids me come." I often said it while giving a salute to this vain world. Here are the lyrics to this old hymn:

Farewell, vain world! I'm going home!
My savior smiles and bids me come,
And I don't care to stay here long!
Sweet angels beckon me away,
To sing God's praise in endless day,
And I don't care to stay here long!

Right up yonder, Christians, away up yonder,
O, yes my Lord, for I don't care to stay here long.

I'm glad that I am born to die,
From grief and woe my soul shall fly,
And I don't care to stay here long!
Bright angels shall convey me home,
Away to New Jerusalem,
And I don't care to stay here long!

Right up yonder, Christians, away up yonder,
O, yes my Lord, for I don't care to stay here long.

Right up yonder, Christians, away up yonder,
O, yes my Lord, for I don't care to stay here long.

This song was sung in sacred harp style in the famous movie "Cold Harbor" in 2003. You can listen to it on YouTube (here).

Recently I wrote on how death is one way in which God's wrath is revealed from heaven, but said that for the Christian death is not a penalty. The above hymn says "I'm glad that I am born to die." That line is in keeping with this fact. Death for the Christian will end all suffering, all sin, all gloom, and bring him into heaven where he will enjoy life to the fullest without end. Death is a "departure" for the Believer. Paul said "for the time of my departure is at hand" when speaking of his coming martyrdom. (II Tim. 4: 6) Like people say "bon voyage" when departing on a ship, and wave good bye to others, so we as Christians can do the same. We may even have loved ones by our death bed who also will be saying to us "bon voyage." 

After Charlie Kirk's murder there was a short video made where Charlie is received and embraced by Jesus. (See here) This is what I envision for myself. I want to lay in his bosom as did the apostle whom Jesus loved (John). I want to hear him say "welcome home my child" and "well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord." 

I am waiting for God's chariot, God's angels, to carry me home. I am waiting for the boatman to ferry me over the river of Jordan or death. It can be exciting. I expect the Lord to be with me as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death as did king David. I say with him "surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psa. 23)