Have you considered the energy and all the activity that is going on in heaven on our behalf? All this energy is over and above the sacrifice that God has made for us. What an amazing thought!
“Oh, let us contemplate the amazing sacrifice that has been made for us! Let us try to appreciate the labor and energy that Heaven is expending to reclaim the lost, and bring them back to the Father’s house. Motives stronger, and agencies more powerful, could never be brought into operation;
- the exceeding rewards for right-doing,
- the enjoyment of heaven,
- the society of the angels,
- the communion and love of God and His Son,
- the elevation and extension of all our powers throughout eternal ages.” Steps to Christ,
These are the most wonderful incentives and encouragements to give our hearts to the loving service of our Creator and Redeemer. Read that list again. What a wonderful future may be ours if we are loyal in the heavenly way now to God’s glory.
We make choices every moment: “On the other hand, the judgments of God pronounced against sin,
- the inevitable retribution,
- the degradation of our character, and
- the final destruction,
are presented in God’s word to warn us against the service of Satan.” Ibid., 21, 22.
Let each one cherish God’s mercy. Let us take advantage of all He has provided “… that we may be transformed into His likeness, and be restored to fellowship with the ministering angels, to harmony and communion with the Father and the Son.” Ibid., 22.
Remember, through Christ, earth is linked with heaven—in Him, we are individually linked to heaven. What a thought—linked to heaven! This earth is wearing out. God is giving us that extra boost so that through incentives and encouragements we may make it to that heavenly country and in the meantime be able to sit in heavenly places with Him through our Saviour. Accept that boost offered and look forward to fellowship with heavenly beings in the presence of our Lord.
Father in heaven: Thank You for all of the incentives which are laid out for our encouragement and comfort and hope. Though this earth is drear, my heart is lifted heavenward as I contemplate the wonderful future that is prepared for us. Thank You for allowing us to sit in heavenly places amidst the whirlwinds of earth. Thank you for Your longsuffering and mercy. Continue to “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not” (Psalm 17:5). Amen.