[𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴.𝘤𝘰𝘮 – 𝘎𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘴 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘎𝘖𝘋’𝘴 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦]

We live in the not-yet.  Although bountifully blessed right here, right now, we are always looking forward.  In an earthly sense, we anticipate new milestones, new chapters, new joys.  In an eternal sense, we are only passing through this scene.  

While we treasure the gifts and provisions from the Father here, it is an ever-expanding view of our eternity with Him that buoys us through the hard days that inevitably characterize our journey Home.

What, exactly, is the hope we hold?  What promises from the LORD do we look forward to receiving in their fullness in a future day?  How can those anticipated gifts impact our thoughts and perspective as we move through our days – or how we approach the end of our earthly days?

In 1 Thessalonians 4:18, Paul says, “Comfort and encourage one another with these words.”  He is encouraging us to rehearse to one another the words of truth that this earthly life is not the end, that we serve a living Savior who will come again to take us to be with Him – forever!

GOD’s promise has not wavered one iota.  In John 14, JESUS encouraged the disciples with these same eternally unchanging words of truth (echoed to His own Father in prayer):

“Let not your heart be troubled… I go to prepare a place for you… I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3, NASB)

“Father, I want these whom You have given Me to be with Me where I am.  Then they can see all the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the world began!” (John 17:24, NLT) 

When we try to picture a future day, our Home in heaven, a place of indescribable glory, we often quote Paul: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what GOD has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT).

Our finite thoughts dream up mind-boggling aesthetics and longed-for reunions with loved ones, and rightfully so.  But it is even more touching to realize that Paul is referring to a truth we can barely conceive of – the mystery of GOD before time began, His plan to reconcile His own creatures to Himself, to offer salvation through His Son, free to ALL who will accept this wondrous gift!

“To all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become the children of GOD” (John 1:12, NIV).  “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of GOD” (1 John 3:1, ESV).  “For He raised us from the dead along with CHRIST and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with CHRIST JESUS” (Ephesians 2:6, NLT).

With Him.  This has always been the heart of the Father, the prayer and promise of His Son.

Praise GOD, we can enjoy the presence of His Spirit right here, right now.  Because of CHRIST we have been reconciled to the Father.  As His children we are already abundantly loved and cared for. We don’t need to wait to enjoy His best for us in this life.  

BUT … the very best is yet to be.  The best that we will ever know will be realized when we see His face, when He welcomes us Home to stay – with Him – forever!

Join us for the next two weeks on vinetobranches.com as we explore in greater detail “Gifts That Await GOD’s People” and discover the fresh hope He wants to speak into your heart each day.