OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Wednesday February 24th 2016
TOPIC: HEAVEN: ARE YOU PREPARED?
Read: 2nd Timothy 4:6-8,
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and
the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a
crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at
that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Bible in one year: Luke 19:28-21:24, Job 28:7-19
MESSAGE
In the Bible, the word ‘Heaven’ is often used in three
ways: to describe a physical part of the universe which is above the sky, the
prevailing condition whenever God reigns in the affairs of men, and the
invisible dwelling place of God, also known as paradise. Today’s devotional
focuses on the need to prepare for heaven, the dwelling place of God, and what
such a preparation entails.
First, the Bible
presents heaven as the dwelling place of God, where His manifest presence is a
permanent feature, as He is the only source of light there. Because of the
constant presence of God in heaven, it is a place of extreme joy and peace.
Heaven is also a place of recognition, reward, celebration, and total rest from
trouble. Holiness is the only acceptable currency in heaven.
Several passages of the Bible stress life’s mystery and
brevity using two vivid metaphors of “a fading flower or withering grass” and
“a swiftly passing shadow”. That life offers little joy, peace and satisfaction
is well known even to children. Also, all human beings are familiar with the
progressive labour, pain, insecurity, sorrow, and disappointments that we all
have to endure as long as we are alive. Furthermore, the concepts of death and
the afterlife presented in the Bible reveals the God had purposely packaged
heaven as the final destination for all humans that pass the entrance
examination. John 14:2-3 says:
“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 ye may be also.”
This is an expression of God’s love and mercy to all
human beings. Out of this everlasting love, the Almighty God has
convincingly and systematically revealed His eternal plans and purposes to
humanity, about how we are created to start our lives here on earth for the
singular purpose of doing the perfect will of God. This is to enable us live
our lives in ways that honour God in all things, for the ultimate goal of
spending eternity with Him in heaven. Therefore, the above passage makes it
very clear that heaven is being specially prepared only for those who are
prepared to do whatever it takes to enter. I therefore pray that God will help
our preparations and graciously admit us into heaven in Jesus’ name.
Now, Matthew 19:23 says that a rich man shall hardly
enter into the kingdom of heaven, not because riches and wealth are evil, nor
because heaven was made only for the poor, but because the typical
characteristics of affluent people are contrary to the will of God. Such
behaviours include pride and confidence in human wisdom, fame, achievements,
money, and power. Anyone found with these will not enter into heaven. The truth
is; Jesus extends the promise of heaven to all who come to Him by faith without
classifications such as financial status, gender, age, culture or nationality.
Matthew 18:3 says except a person is converted and becomes a little child in
faith, total submission and obedience to the will of God, he or she will not
enter into heaven. Finally, Matthew 7:21 says, not all churchgoers will be
admitted into heaven, but only those that operate in the will of God. The big
question is, are you prepared for heaven?
Action Point
Father, please whatever will make me miss heaven; take it
out of my life in Jesus’ name.
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