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"Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end" (John 13:1).

For many years we attended a small country-type church that had about 120 in attendance (that’s a small church to some and a good size church to others depending on your reference point).

We enjoyed attending a church where you personally know the pastor (two previous pastors, Jim and John, remain good friends to this day). There was also an occasional opportunity to share testimonies as time permitted. We now attend a very large church and miss hearing these testimonies in the main service but hear them in our Sunday School class (ABF).

Jesse and Wilma Dourte (both now with the Lord) were a dear older couple who attended the church. During a testimony service Jesse (in his late 80's at the time) lifted his hand indicating he had something to say so Pastor John made his way toward him with the wireless microphone.

I found myself anticipating what might be on his heart, because he and Wilma always had a good word to share with the congregation. Jesse slowly rose from his pew as he pulled himself up by holding on to the back of the pew just in front of him, and began his testimony by saying very matter of factly, "I’m on the home stretch now", prior to dispensing some godly wisdom for all ages.

Having run track in high school it was an especially effective word picture . The dictionary indicates that the “homestretch” is the part of a racecourse between the last turn and the finish line. He was acknowledging, like the Apostle Paul, that the time of his departure was nearing. However he went on to live another 5+ years and hit home base (heaven) at age 95!

Today begins Lent, a time when many especially consider the redemption plan of Christ. So let's consider Christ's home stretch in His redemption plan described in our daily text, " Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father".

We know virtually nothing about much of His life; His childhood (apart from the time He was "lost" in Luke 2:42ff) and His adulthood until the beginning of His ministry.

But early in His life Christ knew that His Father had a special plan. As a boy he said, "Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49).

Throughout His ministry He expressed the redemption plan but generally His disciples did not get it. It seems they had preconceived ideas as to how it should turn out. They expected an earthly king and earthly kingdom.

In our daily text "depart out of this world to the Father" describes the culmination of the redemption plan. Christ's home stretch were those days leading up to that time of departure. His finish line was His death, resurrection and ultimately ascension when He departed out of this world to His Father.

We are so thankful that He completed His Father's purpose for descending to earth and was able to cry out from the Cross, "It is finished"!

Be encouraged today! Hebrews 3:13

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