“... Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3
Once upon a time, in early June, I needed to renew my passport and having researched my options, I decided to complete the appropriate digital paperwork, and apply to the HM Passport Office in Newport, Wales, to collect my passport in person. Although Newport lies eighty miles away, it is only a short stroll to my local railway station, one change, followed by a mile walk at the other end. As I set off, the day was overcast but, ‘warm for the time of year,’ and the birds were singing. I enjoyed my peaceful and relaxing train journey, especially as the trains were on time. By contrast, my walk along Commercial St and on to Lower Dock St was alive with the sounds and aromas of a bustling cosmopolitan city. I thought about visiting the cathedral, but I was pushed for time.
I arrived at HM Passport Office between 15.50 and 16.00, as instructed. The staff were smart in their white tops, and they were both polite and attentive but not smiling and chatty. Having explained why I was here, I was asked, or was it instructed, to turn off my mobile before passing through the swing doors. Having swung through these doors, I was greeted by an airport style security system, including a check with the magic detection wand, before being directed to another member of the team. They checked both me and my details before generating a supermarket-style chitty which showed my collection reference. I was directed to holding area, and I swear I could hear, ‘checkout number four please,’ as I took my seat. My number appeared and I went to the designated kiosk and after a few more checks I received my new passport in a red envelope which also contained my old and torn passport. I was directed to leave via a doorway which led to the rear of the building.
I smiled on realising I had travelled to another country to obtain a document which would enable me to travel to other countries. But my world froze when I remembered what the receptionist said to the couple behind me, as I passed through the swinging doors, “Only the person collecting their passport can pass through the doors. You will have to wait outside. And not in the foyer, outside the building.”
What a metaphor for our entry into Heaven. Some of us, perhaps many of us, will leave our loved ones behind and end up in a new place. How earnestly we must pray for our loved ones, and others who have supported us through this life.
Prayer – Father, thank you for reserving a place for us in Heaven. We pray you will help and use us to bring both our loved ones and those who have supported us in this life, to salvation. Amen
Michael Rolton
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