A Longing for Heaven

Today’s Verse:

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. ~Hebrews 11:16

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I am thankful that the Lord has allowed me the privilege of traveling to several foreign countries to preach the gospel and see many people saved and many churches helped. It is a blessing to serve and fellowship with God’s people in other parts of the world. However, after a few days, I am ready to return home. As the final two days approach, there is a longing for home. Our devotion this morning reminds me that we should have a longing for our eternal home: Heaven. With all of the busyness in our lives, we must take a moment to recalibrate within us a longing for Heaven.

We see the priority.

Going to Heaven when we leave this life must be the number one priority of every person. Heaven is associated with everlasting, or eternal, life. It is being with Christ. It is the kingdom of God. It is the city of God. It is paradise that awaits us. It is our eternal home upon repenting of our sins and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. Heaven is where the throne of God is, and all activity in Heaven revolves around the worship of the Lord. The priority for every person is to get saved and make sure Heaven is their home.

We see the preparation.

“For he hath prepared for them a city.” Our Lord is getting Heaven ready for your occupancy. "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" (John 14:2). Heaven is called a municipality, but it is also referred to as a mansion. Our Lord is preparing a place for us in Heaven. It is our "inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you." The preparation includes our welcome. Our Lord will greet us with, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” This preparation includes our worship. We will assume our place with the saints in glory for the eternal worship and praise of our God. This preparation incudes our welfare. In Heaven, there is no sorrow, no death, no crying, no pain, and no tears. We are given incorruptible and immortal bodies in Heaven.

We see the prestige.

“Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God.” After we get saved, we are not to be ashamed of confessing Christ before men. In Heaven, God is not ashamed to be our God. This is remarkable! In spite of our failures and faults in this life, the moment we enter Heaven, God gives a royal welcome to acknowledge we are among the many sons of God. God shines His face upon us. We are declared citizens of Heaven and the people of God. We abide in His everlasting presence in Heaven.

We see the passion.

“They desire a better country.” Many people are leaving the state of California for a better state to live in: less taxation, less government oversight, less crime, and better education for their children. When it comes to Heaven, it is better than anywhere on earth. It is the everlasting Shangri-La. It is the most beautiful, most expensive, most well-lit, most well-kept, and only perfect city. It is a better country. We are exhorted to have a longing for Heaven! "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." To be with Christ is far better. Keep your earthly perspective in check at all times by having a passion and longing for Heaven.

Have a Heaven-centered God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Leviticus 14-15

#Hebrews #Heaven