Sunday, October 26, 2014

Sunday Reflection...

The words Jesus spoke to His disciples in John chapter 14 are read at many funerals.  They were read at my sister-in-law's service this past Thursday.  "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also." [vs 1-3]

I get caught up in mortal earthly life far more than focusing on eternal life and Heaven, but nothing puts the brevity of life into perspective quicker than illness and death. Everyone, whether a believer in Christ or not, knows the words recorded in Hebrews 9:27, are true - it is appointed unto man once to die. 

I've been reading Randy Alcorn's book about Heaven.  It's awesome!


Going to Heaven isn't "automatic" as many people tend to think, but our loving Heavenly Father has given clear instructions in His Word so we'll know beyond a shadow of a doubt how to get there.   

If we confess our sins and acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, then one day we will hear God declare, "Well done, good and faithful servant! ...Enter thou into the joy of thy lord." [Matthew 25:23 KJV] 

What a comfort to know that Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave, and promises "Because I live, you also will live."  

Good-byes and burying our loved ones will still be difficult, but for the believer, parting is only temporary.  We have hope and confidence, and can say with the Apostle Paul: Where, O death is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?  He [God] gives us the victory through Jesus Christ, our Lord!  

As with any other event, going to Heaven requires preparation. This world is not our final home - we're just passing through, and Heaven is one place we don't want to miss.     

May God bless your week!


1 comment:

  1. I was having a very similar conversation about the hope of heaven, with my mother-in-law yesterday. For we do not grieve as those who have no hope...

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