FEB 16

Revelation 21:4
Memorise Psalm 71:8
“…for the former things are passed away.”

What is life all about here on earth? Is its purpose different from what it will be in heaven? The chief purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. To glorify God, is to praise; to elevate and honour Him in worship, in thought, in songs of praise or words. We also glorify God by the godly lives we live – testifying of the Holy Spirit in our lives. What are the ways in which we enjoy God? We talk to Him, spend time in His presence, think about Him, find out more about Him. Can we ever know too much about the Lord, or do enough for Him if we truly love Him? Thus, our main purpose in heaven will remain unchanged – to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This is what eternal life will be all about.

However, in eternity, the circumstances in which we do so will be different. There will be no tears, no death, no sorrow, no pain, no worries, no hurt, no disappointments, no anger, and no jealousy! God Himself will wipe away our tears forever. What are the things that make you sad and hurt you? What makes you toss and turn and keep you up at night? Can you imagine what it will be like to neither experience nor fear all these things ever again? Whilst we can and do enjoy God and glorify Him here in this world, it is in an imperfect way. We often serve the Lord with mixed motives, become easily discouraged, or hurt. We murmur and complain, and so quickly get bored or tired. Ever sung a hymn but your mind was elsewhere? Listened to a compelling sermon that touched your heart only to remember it for all of a day or two only? Our prayers are prone to repetition, to be narrow and selfish in scope, small in faith, and all too often ending prematurely when we drift off to sleep. Our relationship with the Lord becomes lukewarm or cold. We forget Him so easily.

In eternity, sin will have no place. Our relationship with God will be perfect. We will enjoy Him and glorify Him perfectly. Each day will be filled with joy and peace. There is absolutely nothing that will alarm us or create pain and fear in our hearts. We will lay our burdens down. We will sing and praise God with our whole heart day after day. With each passing day, I know I look forward to that day even more. What about you?

Thought: What will it be like to see God face to face?
Prayer: May I examine my heart and my life, and get rid of the things that hinder me from enjoying and glorifying God.