Pastor’s Thoughts – 07/20/2025

With tragedy and death prominent in the news, eternity should be weighing on our minds. We know this world is very brief. We are told from Scripture that our lives are likened to a vapor that appears for a little while. Paul likens us to the grass that withers and fades away. With these and many other admonitions from Scripture, we know that by far the most important issue for any person is what lies for them beyond the temporary limits of this life. We know that we were created by God not just to exist for this short duration, but for eternity (Titus 1:2). What does the future hold for those who love Jesus Christ and are called His children by faith? The first thing to know is that heaven or glory is not compatible with the world in which we live. It is far different. Here, if we are in Christ, we are called aliens and sojourners. In glory we will be different for “We will be like Him” (1 John 3:2).  The ramification of this truth is discussed by Paul as the difference between a tent and a building in 2 Corinthians 5. And in 1 Corinthians 15 it is the difference between a mere seed versus the completed product of the seed, a flower, tree, or plant. Not only will our own physical beings be infinitely superior, but so will the place of our abode be far superior. Our Lord Jesus states, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places…He goes on to say, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-3). No amount of our imagination can envision the depths of our Lord’s preparation of an eternal place He purposely creates for which He calls glory. It will be in perfection and wonder.

By comparison Paul elaborates how in this present state we groan, but in glory there will be no groaning for we are told, “In His presence is the fullness of joy, in Your right hand there are pleasures forever” (Ps. 16:11). Of all the remarkable things to highlight about glory, the most significant reality of all is that we will be in the presence of God the Father and God the Son under their love, protection, and provision. You may know that there are places in the Old Testament where the prophets were given visions of glory and the presence of God Himself. This is true in Isaiah 6, and in Ezekiel 1. In either of these accounts, no prophet or person can come close to determining what is described. It is so far above and removed from our finite understanding that it is like what some have stated as trying to explain color to a person born blind. I think the point of these visions in the case of Ezekiel was to prepare him to do the Lord’s difficult assignment, and the elaborate and peculiar things the Lord required of Him. In the case of Isaiah, he was so overwhelmed that his reaction immediately incapacitated him. We see that which addresses the infinite magnificence of the presence of God is not only splendid, beautiful and wonderful, but holy beyond anything we can fathom. Paul tells us he was purposed by God to visit glory and that it was in such a manner that, “Whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows – was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak” (2 Cor. 12:3-4). It impacted his life, but he would make no attempt to embellish or elaborate what he beheld and heard. He knew that it was too wonderful for Him or for us to seek to understand on this side of it.

Not only will God the Father and God the Son be present in glory in a majestic and inconceivable manner, but the Scripture promises our eternal well-being, “And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will be no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4). One of the things we enjoy most in this life is the fellowship with the brethren. In glory we will be with every saint who has ever lived, and they also will be along with us in states of glory and perfection. All of us in Christ have those who have gone to glory who were so dear to us that we miss and long to see them. We will never miss them again. They will be present with us and not sharing the aches, pains, and concerns that we once shared, but instead in the new state of perfection we will be sharing an eternal thanksgiving. As our citizenship is there, God has planned it so that everything we love is there. Indeed, everything we cherish is there, and everything of true value is there. This also cannot be measured in the sense that it is not only infinite but eternal. It will never pass away or become old or tiring. It is no wonder that Paul says to be with Christ “is very much better” (Phil. 1:23).

Our worship services today, in this temporary and imperfect world, stand apart as a little bit of heaven on earth. In Revelation chapters 4 and 5 we are given a future glimpse into glory for a worship gathering of the church around the throne of God. The wording is such to magnify the extent of love toward God and the sense of infinite joy that is being expressed by everyone present. As we contemplate where those, who are lovers of Christ are today in glory, let us be encouraged and strengthened. We in Christ will soon join them. We do not grieve for those who have already departed as do the rest who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13). We have all hope in Christ because we have before us His Word and His promise of a future reunion of eternal glory!