A New Neighborhood (Keys For Kids)

I found this message on CBH ministry's Keys for Kids website It's also available there in audio form. Family and friends, please keep the Sydnor family in prayer, especially Ashley, a Bethel ABC reader


Tears spilled down Sophia's cheeks. "I want Grandpa back," she cried. Sophia knew her grandpa was with Jesus, but she missed him so much. She remembered the times he had spent with her-reading stories, going for walks, or playing her favorite games.

Mom put her arm around Sophia. "It's hard to lose someone we love, and it's okay to cry," Mom said softly, "but let's think about Grandpa in his new home in heaven and how much he's enjoying it. And just think how wonderful it will be when we all join him there someday-more wonderful than we can even imagine."

Sophia nodded. "Yes, I know . . . but he always liked to be with us," she said. "I bet he misses us, too."

Mom was quiet for a moment. "Do you remember the neighborhood where we used to live?" she asked.

"In Indiana?" asked Sophia. "Sure."

"You liked your friends there," said Mom, "but do you wish we could move back?"

"Not really," said Sophia, shaking her head. "I like my new friends here, too. And our house is bigger-I even have a room all to myself. And the weather here is so warm that we can play outside all year. We're not moving back, are we?"

"No, Sophia, we're not moving back, just like Grandpa isn't moving back to earth after experiencing heaven. He has a new body and no sadness or pain."

"So . . . he wouldn't really want to move back, right?" asked Sophia.

Mom shook her head. "Grandpa is in heaven with Jesus.
And because you and I have Jesus as our Savior, we'll go there someday, too.
Then we'll live with Jesus and Grandpa in our heavenly
neighborhood."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone you love died? The Bible says that God is preparing a place for all those who love Jesus-a place that is far better than anything we can imagine. It's okay to miss loved ones and even to cry at times, but isn't it wonderful to know that someday all sorrow and pain will be ended and all who know Jesus will spend eternity with Him?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 14:2)