Let’s call this column “Farewell to Calvin.”  I’ll make a reference to him in at least one more sermon and reading and writing about him has given me a far greater appreciation for the sixteenth century reformer in Geneva.  But it’s time to move on.

And moving on is the lesson I will most remember from Calvin.  Herman Selderhuis’ biography (which I highly recommend as a readable volume) is titled John Calvin: A Pilgrim’s Life.  Calvin saw himself on a journey.  Even though he spent most of his ministry in one city, it took him a long time to settle there.  And he always considered himself a foreigner.

Linda and I have spent the past three days in Suffolk/Portsmouth, Virginia, celebrating my parents’ sixtieth wedding anniversary with family and friends.  Mom has been working on a book about her life.  I’m not sure what she will call it, but at one time her tentative title was No Continuing City, a reference to Hebrews 13:14 (see KJV).  As missionaries, Mom and Dad were constantly on the move – often spending no more than months or a year at best in one home before moving on.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that this should be the heart attitude of the believer, regardless of our physical circumstances.  This life is not permanent, and we should not cling to its.  We look forward to a permanent home.

Read on in Hebrews 13 (vv. 15ff.).  When we fully grasp the transitory nature of life, we put our priorities in order. We live life with praise, thanks, good works, humility, prayer, and honesty.  Why?  Because the city to come gives life its value and meaning – not anything we can hold on to here below.