Extreme Makeover Home Edition 3 - The Big Reveal

Last Monday was the scheduled return of the Silva family from their vacation in Florida to see their new home. There was much anticipation as we arrived early (about 10am) to find our spot in the crowd. We were placed right behind where the family would be arriving. As we waited, the TV cameras were rolling. We were asked to say, "Move That Bus!" repeatedly and from different angles, until the crowd really did want that bus to move.

We rehearsed the family arriving in their limo to make sure that all of the cameras would be in the right spot. Even Ty Pennington was on scene to practice opening the limo door. Everyone got a good chuckle as he went to open the door only to discover it was locked. We rehearsed the bus moving, and watched as the producers made sure it would be in just the right spot to keep the family from seeing their house prematurely. After many hours of rehearsal and anticipation, the long black limo carrying the family finally came down the street and stopped at the appointed spot. We hadn't seen them since they left, and we couldn't wait to see how they would respond. As Ty opened the door (not locked this time), the crowd erupted in cheers as the family came out of the car. Cameras were rolling, the designers in their spot, and we awaited to see the family's reaction once that bus moved.

Again the cry went up, "move that bus!" and the bus roared away allowing the family to see their new home. For a split second, they took in the large, two story, beautiful home that had replaced their much smaller, lead-filled house. I will never forget watching how Ken dropped to his knees in thankfulness, soon followed by Doreen and then amidst the tears and cheers, seeing this family, parents and children, embrace on another. The local reporter who had been covering this event throughout the week was visibly moved as he watched mother and teenage son in a tearful embrace.

This awaited day came to be known as the "Big Reveal", but there is another "Big Reveal" coming that will far surpass the excitement of the Silva's new home. In fact, the last book of the Bible is called Revelation, and it tells of a day when Jesus Christ will return to this earth. But I wonder, do we really anticipate the day when Jesus will return? Consider that after Jesus was crucified for the sin of mankind, buried in a tomb, and resurrected on the third day, He said He was going to return back to the Father, and He did exactly that. Before He left He gave this promise, that He was going to prepare a place for us that where He is we would be also.

I saw the Silva's old house, inside and out before it was demolished. I saw a beautiful house built in a matter of days, and I have been inside the new house that was designed and prepared just for them. As wonderful as thier home is, I can't help but wonder what awaits us in Heaven. What is the place that Jesus has gone to prepare for us going to be like? I don't think I'm alone in wondering that. But let's not forget that God hasn't given us the gift of salavation just so we can go to heaven. (Don't be too shocked!) God has saved us for the purpose of knowing Him. Everything He has done, does, and will do is so that people will come to know Him. So while we can anticipate what Heaven will be like let us not forget that our eternal home is not more important than the One who is already there. I hope you will be ready for God's "Big Reveal."