Thank God for the tensions and the strains. They help keep these wayward hearts from straying too far. They keep us from saying in our hearts, like Peter did, “Lord, it’s good that we are here” (Matthew 17:4). As Matthew Henry rightly noted,”We are wrong, if we look for a heaven here upon earth.” This fallen world with all its grief and calamity will soon pass away and one day Christ will make all things new. This is our future! In all our troubles and heart sorrows, let the Christian remember this truth.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:1-8)
I find such encouragement in reading this. Our hope is in Christ and in our future in his presence. This world does not bring the joy that heaven will but while we are here we can serve Him and reflect His glory. His presence daily is the strength we need until He comes again. Thank you for sharing this Christina. Have a blessed Lord’s Day tomorrow!
Amen, Christina! Although I’m grateful to be live in this country, my true citizenship is in heaven and my hope is in God. Thanks for the timely reminder.
Wonderful words Christina. One advantage for the believer who is getting older is that we’re starting to run out of things to look foward to ….except Heaven. And it’s looking sweeter every day. Much love to you sweet friend. .
Amen – thank you for this great reminder. It’s just what I needed today… 🙂 God bless you.