Knowing that we will be blessed (or judged) according to decisions made on this earth, let’s be about the Father’s business!
18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s [God’s] instruction.
When we go about our lives with heaven in mind, it changes the way we operate. For instance, being the hands and feet of Christ in this world will have eternal blessings for us and the people we help. 7 “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” But, if we are not interested in doing God’s will and helping those in need, then we can expect to be “rewarded” in this world (keeping everything focused on us), but only in this world. There will be nothing to carry over into heaven.
Jesus put it like this:
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” Matthew 6:2 (there is also the passage about the rich man and Lazarus: Luke 16:19-31)
So, what should we keep in mind when thinking about heaven? There are two things:
- Him! Our Heavenly Father! Jesus Himself! The Spirit Within! One of my favorite Psalms is 73, particularly these verses:
21 When my heart was grieved [He knows our trials and struggles]
and my spirit embittered, [He understands our feelings]
22 I was senseless and ignorant; [when I did not know the way or the why’s]
I was a brute beast before you. [or a three-year-old]
23 Yet I am always with you; [notice that WE are with HIM]
you hold me by my right hand. [dominant hand; I am left-handed]
24 You guide me with your counsel, [the Holy Spirit]
and afterward you will take me into glory. [HERE IS OUR PROMISE!]
25 Whom have I in heaven but you? [Pure praise!]
And earth has nothing I desire besides you. [Oh, were this so in our hearts]
26 My flesh and my heart may fail, [both physically and emotionally]
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. [Asaph’s declaration of dependence upon the LORD]
The second thing is what life will be like during the Millenial Reign, which we will cover tomorrow (not enough time and space today).
For today, let us make the same Declaration of Dependence that Asaph did. Let’s make God the strength of our hearts and our portion forever. Let us serve Him knowing that what we do here on this earth makes a BIG difference over there.
Abba, You know I don’t work for rewards in heaven, except for Your words of affirmation. At the same time, You promise me the riches of heaven. Oh, to know You in Your fullness will be enough for me! Even so, “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it entered into my heart all that You have prepared for me, because I love You.” (1 Corinthians 2:9). I can hardly wait, LORD! It makes me study even harder to get a glimpse of what it will be like. Open my mind to Your Plan, Abba. Amen.
In the Master's Hands 