REJOICING in ADVANCE

Scripture:  “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.”  Hebrews 11:16 (NASB)

Author Ken Gire is quoted as saying, “From the glimpses of heaven given us by Jesus, we know that whatever else heaven is, it’s FULL of joy.” [Reflections on Your Life (1998)]  As meditation-worthy as that statement is, unspeakably richer in meaning to me are the words found in our title Scripture, Hebrews 11:16.  I am convinced that since we Christ-followers are referred to as “gifts” to the Father in John 6:37, our God welcomes our frequent meditation on our heavenly destination.  

We can rejoice in advance that as a child of the King, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8); we need not fear death!  Since our citizenship is in heaven, from which we await our Lord Jesus, according to Philippians 3:20, our present life trials, difficulties, and disappointments need never eclipse our blessed hope of being transformed into HIS glorious likeness!  The stuff of this earthly life can’t even begin to compare with the glory that will be revealed to us!  (Romans 8:18) Moreover, it is WRITTEN that in Christ Jesus we who are trusting in His atoning death, burial, and resurrection have a hope that has been LAID UP FOR US in HEAVEN—all because we’ve believed the life-giving GOSPEL!  (Colossians 1:5)! Those souls who may say to you, ‘Oh, you can’t really know what happens when you die!’ have been blinded by Satan, because 1 John 5:13 declares that we who believe on Him CAN know!  We who by grace have been saved, are being saved, and SHALL be saved have escaped the devil’s lies and delusions about our eternal destination.    

Do you long for Heaven, dear reader?  The Lord of Glory, our Elohim Bashamayim (God in Heaven) welcomes all such rejoicing, as we daily live in obedience to and worship Him.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, there is none like You.  You are THE God of unsurpassed assurances and faithful in all You’ve said and promised.  We bless You for the eternal hope provided for us who trust in Your holy Word.  Thank You, in Jesus’ name; amen!

(by Denise Diggs)