December 28, 2018
The Real Heaven
Trying to picture life in eternity, many people imagine lying around on clouds, strumming harps. I’m not sure how this misconception about heaven got started, but I can assure you that is unlikely. We have been gifted, equipped, and enabled to fulfill God’s purpose in this life. And He will still have a purpose for us in the life to come.
In today’s passage, Jesus described the kingdom of heaven in the context of a man giving his servants money to invest. The men who served their master faithfully were heartily congratulated and given greater responsibility. When we reach Christ’s judgment seat, our foremost reward will be to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:23 NIV). I can’t imagine words that could please me more than a commendation from the Savior I love above all.
We will also receive our new assignment in God’s heavenly kingdom. This is the part of the reward that corresponds to the words, “You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things” (v. 23). There will be no lazing about for us! We will have a renewed heaven and earth to live in and enjoy (2 Peter 3:13). In our perfected bodies, with hearts and souls attuned to the Lord, we will serve Him and each other.
God has a plan for every believer to pursue, and He has gifted each of His children specifically for that purpose. That plan requires our passion and motivation—on earth or in heaven. This world is our training ground for the greater life to come, so let’s prepare like good and faithful servants.
Bible in One Year: Revelation 5-8
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What will Heaven be like?Dec 28, 2018 |
| From the writings of the Rev. Billy GrahamQ: Some people think Heaven will be like living a fairy tale. Others think it will be boring. What is the right answer? — H.B.
A: Heaven captures the imagination, but it is not an imaginary place. It is not a fantasyland in which to dwell. It is not a place one can travel to and come back again — at least not in our earthbound life. Heaven is a literal place. The wonderful book of Proverbs is deep and wide because it is the voice of wisdom speaking to our hearts. It is the Lord Jesus Himself gathering up His eternal attributes that call to us with His understanding, truth, righteousness, knowledge and instruction, prudence and discretion, reverence, counsel, strength, love, riches and honor, justice, rejoicing, blessing, wisdom, mercy, grace and eternal life. This is what Heaven is and will be forever. Generations have been thrilled with the song, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Yes, the whole world takes up just a smidgen. The Bible says, “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span? … The nations are as a drop in a bucket” (Isaiah 40:12, 15). More important than Heaven capturing our imagination is the God of Heaven capturing our souls. Just because Heaven is beyond the reach of our satellites and telescopes does not mean that Heaven is beyond the reach of our hearts. The key to finding Heaven is finding Christ. When the day is finished people generally head for home. Far better than any dream imaginable is the supernatural transformation that will take place for all of God’s people when He transports us to His heavenly home, and all those who belong to Him. Don’t miss it! ======== (This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.) (c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC. |
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