Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 23, 2014
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2 Peter 3:13-14
Imagine a place you have never been before. No sin, sorrow or death, but full of righteousness, joy and everlasting life. No deranged shooters of school children, but many children sitting on the lap of Jesus. No demons, but armies of angels. The Hallelujah chorus being sung by a heavenly choir that no human ear has heard. Yes, praise and worship that brings pure joy to the worshipper and to the one being worshipped, Jesus Christ. Imagine God’s glory fully exposed.
Imagine this new world created by God for God and His children. A world without end, cleansed by the Holy Spirit. A church without blemish presented to its glorious groom, Jesus. No more church splits, child abuse scandals or leadership failures. Gone are church politics, abuses of power and misuse of money. The church and Christ are one. Oneness with the One who gave His life for His bride, rose from the dead to give her life and ascended to heaven to receive her. Imagine the unimpeded and uninhibited intimacy of Christ and His bride–love perfected.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess” (Hebrews 4:14).
Imagine a home prepared by Jesus just for His followers. The light of His glory illuminates each room, with no need for electricity. Never a power failure, natural disaster or divorce. Think about God’s blessings on a new earth: peace, forgiveness, joy and love. He is the Blessed One who will give us all we need wrapped up in the abundance of His presence and provision. Worshipfully, we will reign and work for Him. Imagine serving the King of Kings–Jesus, for all eternity.
Therefore, while we wait in this life we train in righteousness,preparing to reign with Him in righteousness. We avoid vain imaginings that distract us in the temporal, instead focusing on the eternal beauty of what awaits us on the other side. Yes, we look forward to being with the Lord forever. We can only imagine with our finite understanding what our infinite God has for those who love Him. We have tasted but a morsel, maybe an appetizer, from our salvation in Christ Jesus. Glory, hallelujah we have a full course meal in heaven that is an ongoing celebration of the Lamb of God, Jesus. Heaven is for real, so by His Spirit conceive what’s to come and prepare for His coming. Imagine!
“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him’” (1 Corinthians 2:9, KJV).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I yearn for that day to be with You forever. I can only imagine You and what You have in store for those who love You.
Related Readings: 1 Kings 8:27; Job 25:2; Acts 7:55; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 19:1, 9
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