DAILY READING
REFLECTION
What God Promises
by Pr. Dave Mann
What does God promise for us in heaven? His presence. I hope that this statement does not disappoint you.
Sometimes we are tempted to make up in our minds the promises that we wish God would make, such as, "In heaven, God will give me the luxuries that I long for in the here-and-now: our favorite foods, the house of our dreams, the sports car we could never afford, etc.” If it is only this that we imagine heaven holds for us, it may mean that we long for earthly material blessings more than we long for the presence of God himself. If God could be puzzled, his bewilderment might sound like this: “How could you long for something so small when I offer you my very self? Oh you of so little faith.”
Revelation 7 lets us know that the promise of God for heaven is that we are blessed to be in his presence—to be fully, completely, eternally satisfied in God himself.
In heaven, we are not the focus of the celebration; we are blessed to join in the blessing of God. When we finally through God’s grace attain complete sanctification, we will be at perfect rest as we stand unashamed in the presence of God. We will realize the purpose of our existence when we point away from ourselves and point to God—when we join the chorus and sing:
“Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen!”
Yes, we will be blessed with full satisfaction things that we need on earth—no hunger, no thirst, no scorching heat, given springs of living water, and God will completely comfort us in our sorrows. Note that these heavenly blessings were promised centuries before the Apostle John received the revelation (Isaiah 49:10 & 25:8). But how will fulfilling these promises be possible? It will be because everyone will see that Jesus is seated on the throne. Our hearts will be fully satisfied, and our own knees will bow before the Lamb on the throne. He will shelter us with his presence, and HE will be our shepherd.
The real heavenly promises focus on God himself. He will change our hearts both in the present and for all eternity so that we realize the magnificence of his real promises.
PRAYER
Lord God, it is no wonder I long for worldly pleasures when my heart is never satisfied. Help me to fear, love, and trust you above everything else. Come into my heart Lord Jesus, come in to stay. Amen.
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