A year ago we introduced you to “Come and See” daily devotions. “Evangelical Ministries International is a London (UK) ministry with a Vision to ensure the Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached throughout the world.” Although the page isn’t presently active, they’ve left a number of interesting topics for us to discover, most of which are presented in multiple parts; so there are two links in today’s reading.
Something to Look Forward to (I)
“But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13).
One of the greatest sources of strength to the weak is the ability to envision or imagine what lies ahead. Even our Lord Jesus Christ was encouraged by the glimpse of what should come after his suffering. In the Bible we read: “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, New King James Version).
The Book of Acts 1:11 (New King James Version) also recorded the hopeful message an angel of the Lord delivered to more than four hundred witnesses after Jesus was taken up to heaven from this earthly realm. He says: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
The purpose of this devotional is to look at what lies ahead even after the much-awaited Second Coming of Jesus. These are events that nobody would want to miss. For example, the Bible states: “do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?” (1st Corinthians 6:3, New King James Version).
This is a remarkable statement and it follows that no pleasure derived from sin should ever be worth the risk of missing the experience described. Thus, how would you determine how well an angel has performed? This scenario illustrates your supremacy over all spirits: either evil or good. If the good ones shall be appraised by the saints of God, then binding the evil ones should not be an issue for you here on earth: “…. whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven” (Matthew 18:18a, New King James Version).
Sitting down as a judge to appraise and evaluate the angels of God, based on the performance of their duties, is an exceptional privilege that is not to be missed. One could imagine, for example, rating angels based on their ability to provide songs of worship to the King of Kings or rating them during their rehearsal or audition. No wonder Jesus asked: “for what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36, New King James Version).
There is nothing worth gaining in this world at the expense of your soul. You must never lose your salvation or get tired of serving the Lord. There are many good things to look forward to in heaven even after the second coming of Jesus Christ. We read in the Bible: “… eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, New King James Version).
Let us pray: “Father, by your unfailing mercy and power, let me not miss eternity with you in heaven,” in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.
Something to Look Forward to (II)
As we continue to walk diligently with God, we should be aware that whatever lies ahead of us is beyond our imagination. In the Bible we read: “while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2nd Corinthians 4:18, New King James Version).
God does not do anything without a purpose. The strange encounters of John the beloved in the Island of Patmos did not just happen by chance. The Book of Revelations was essentially intended to give us something extraordinary to look forward to, especially after the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The Book gives many vivid descriptions of happenings in heaven.
For instance, concerning the beauty of God’s throne, we read: “and He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald” (Revelation 4:3, New King James Version). Surely, nobody reading this account would want to miss seeing it.
In addition to the comfort and splendour of God’s presence, there are many events we would not want to miss. The most crucial one is the final judgment of Satan and death. The Bible states: “and the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulphur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10, New International Version).
Without any doubt, the devil is a very proud being and will make constant efforts to lure us all to his side through sin. He would not want anyone to witness his final irreversible fall, judgment and destruction. The happiness we feel when judges or panel of juries on earth deliver deserved judgments against the wicked is nothing compared to the happiness we will feel in witnessing the ultimate end of Satan and his fallen angels.
Lastly, there is no wise earthly being who would want to be left out of the eternal pleasure available in God’s Majestic Palace. King David said: “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, New King James Version). He also said: “ … for a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psalm 84:10). There is more to look forward to in the presence of the Almighty God.
Let us pray: “Father, by your unfailing mercy and power, let me not miss eternity with you in heaven,” in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.
Christianity 201 
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