Down through history, both in sermon and song, Heaven seems to have been made the goal for the Christian. It has been placed first on his list of desires, even above Jesus. We are told that we should long for Heaven. But what if it were (and it shall be) reversed, and Jesus were reigning on earth? Would we feel the same? The truth is, it’s not geography, it’s Jesus.
When Christ returns to this earth again, we are told that He empties out Heaven of all the redeemed. Paul didn’t long for Heaven; he longed for Him. Listen to his testimony, “I have a desire to depart and be with Christ.” Again: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” His emphasis is not on a place, but a Person.
Even our Lord directs our attention to Himself, not on Heaven: “I go to prepare a place for you...that where I am, there ye may be also.” His Priestly prayer was, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am...”WHEREVER JESUS IS,TIS HEAVEN!"
Without the Lord Jesus, the Heavenly City, with its mansions, streets of gold, and fine linen clothing, would be like the earth is now....simply a materialistic place.
(rds)
No comments:
Post a Comment