Sermon snippet – Simply Heaven – Part XI
INTRODUCTION – Based on the gracious command of Colossians 3:1-2, we have been endeavoring to set our affection and attention “on things above.” This concerted focus on heaven is necessary because we have so many things that distract us. It is also good for us, for any commandment of God is based on His goodness and is for our benefit.
- WE ARE REMINDED OF OUR BLESSINGS
Deuteronomy 26:15 provides the people of God with a model prayer: “Look down from Thy holy heaven, and bless Thy people Israel, and the land which Thou hast given us, as Thou sharest unto our fathers, a land that flowerh with milk and honey.” The context of this chapter is the Feast of Firstfruits. As the name suggests this feast was a celebration of the beginning of the harvest and an expectation of the full bounty to come. It was also a reminder of the humble origins of the nation of Israel (verse 5). Although we do not live in the Promised Land of Israel, the principles apply to us. First, each blessing should direct our attention to our Lord in heaven, Who is the Blesser. Second, these present blessings should encourage us to have an outlook of expectation of future blessings, both here and in heaven. Third, we should be humble, recognizing that the good things we enjoy are undeserved; blessings reflect Who God is, not who we are. Every time we carefully consider a blessing, our thoughts are lifted to heaven, and that blessing is thus doubled.
- WE ARE REASSURED OF OUR FORGIVENESS
We have studied this truth a couple of times in this series of messages, but it deserves to be repeated. I Kings 8:30 records part of the prayer of Solomon at the dedication of the Temple: “Hearken Thou to the supplication of Thy servant, and of Thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place; and hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling place: and when Thou hearest, forgive.” Other verses (including verses 34, 39, and 49-50) echo this plea, one that is efficacious. Forgiveness is available to all through faith in God the Son, Jesus Christ. Because He is in heaven, it is a place of forgiveness. The burden of guilt is lifted as we look to heaven and set our affection “on things above.”
- WE ARE REDOUBLED IN OUR JOY
In I Chronicles 16:31, David enjoins, “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigneth.’” “Heavens” here refers to the entire cosmos, not to the particular abode of God that we call heaven. Moreover, heaven is referenced as the place where “The LORD reigneth.” When we contemplate heaven, we certainly experience joy. We think of those awaiting our arrival, and we think of joining them. These are certainly causes for joy! However, this joy is met with joy throughout God’s entire creation. Furthermore, when we think of heaven, we join in the joy that is there (Luke 15:7, 10). To say that our joy is redoubled is actually an understatement.
CONCLUSION – We are not wasting our time by focusing on heaven. First, we are going to spend much more time there than here! Second, thinking of heaven means thinking of good things, including blessings, forgiveness, and joy. Likewise, contemplating these things lifts our thoughts back to heaven. This positive feedback loop will definitely encourage us. Remember, the greatest aspect of heaven is the immediate presence of the Savior, Jesus Christ. May each one of us be certain of eternal life in heaven through faith in Him.