We are blessed to have a wonderful God that cares for us and loves us. Through faith in God we can get a small idea of what our relationship with God will be like in heaven. There was a man who was widely respected by all who lived to the incredible age of 120. His long life could be credited in part to the cheerful outlook that characterized his life. One afternoon during his retirement, he was at work in the garden near the church he attended. He sang songs of praise to God while working. His pastor arrived at church and noted, “My, you seem very happy today.” “Yes, I was just thinking.” “Thinking about what?” inquired his pastor. “Oh, I was just thinking that if the crumbs of joy that fall from the Master’s table in this world are so good, what will the great feast in glory be like! I tell you, pastor, there will be enough for everyone and some to spare up there.” The joy and satisfaction that we experience in our earthly lives from our faith in God, will pale in comparison to the joy we experience in heaven. The second part of Revelation 22:5 states, And they will reign for ever and ever. In heaven, we will reign with Christ. Reigning with Christ means that Christ reigns in us. We live as He intended, to worship and glorify Him in all that we do. No sin, just perfect bliss and fellowship with our Creator. Motivated by God’s love, this can be what we strive for in our time on earth. God can guide us our whole lives and into eternity in heaven. “Guide me, O my great Redeemer,” is a powerful hymn that drives this point home. The music was written by John Hughes, a Welsh coal miner, near the end of his life. He had no musical training but was inspired by his faith in God to write the music. God provided manna or bread from heaven for the Israelites as they made their way to the promised land. God provides for us and guides us as well our whole life. We can have confidence that our great Redeemer will lead us to heaven with Him forever. Our relationship with God will be perfect in heaven. In seeking to praise and glorify God in all that we do, we can live in joy and hope for what God has in store for us in heaven. Keep your sight firmly fixed on God and you will be amazed at what you will see! Guide me, O my great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but you are mighty; hold me with your powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore, feed me now and evermore. Open now the crystal fountain, where the healing waters flow. Let the fire and cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through. Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer, ever be my strength and shield, ever be my strength and shield. When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside. Death of death, and hell's destruction, land me safe on Canaan's side. Songs of praises, songs of praises I will ever sing to you, I will ever sing to you References
Stohlmann, M. (2020). The world's greatest future. Seattle, WA: KDP. Williams, W., & Hughes, J. (1745). “Guide me, o my great Redeemer.”
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Micah StohlmannChristian, author, and professor of mathematics education. Archives
May 2023
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