”HEAVEN;  THE PURE RIVER OF LIFE”

 Revelation 22: 1-5

 

As I was reading my daily devotion just recently, I was reminded by reading “Our Daily Bread” just how beautiful heaven really is; and waves of emotion swept over me.  Knowing that life indeed is but a vapor, and that I am now approaching 80 years – the life expectancy of most of the Jimmie Moore clan – only one cousin older; I have joy in my heart knowing the future is better than the present, as great as it is.  I have positive assurance of life to come.  And why not?  Jesus said, "Because I live, you will live also" (John 14:19).

 

My next emotion was this:  What will the next world really be like? Even the inspired descriptions of the celestial dwelling that we have in the Bible's last book are inadequate to convey what awaits us. Yet they do intensify our desire to leave this dark earthly existence and to enter that heavenly reality. We read about "a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God," "the tree of life," and "no more curse" (Revelation 22:1-3).

What are your own reactions as you think about the life beyond this life? Perhaps you are not especially curious. But are you blessed with the certainty of heaven, which you can have by faith in Jesus? Think of the words Jesus spoke at the grave of Lazarus: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:25).

 I remember reading about two lawyers who heard the call to be a disciple and follow Christ. At the conclusion of the service, they were attending, they did accept the challenge. The two lawyers practiced law together, so they decided to offer free legal services to needy people in their community. Their commitment to helping others, though, changed their lives in ways they did not expect. They soon gained new paying customers. Surprisingly, several people who had been delinquent with their bills suddenly paid them in full. "I suppose they didn't want to cheat lawyers who helped the needy," one lawyer explained.

I share this story with you, because being a disciple, does not mean we have to be a missionary or become a monk. It means we use the gifts' God has given us--to help others have The Assurance Of Heaven? Recognize our sinfulness (Romans 6:23). Believe Jesus died for us (Acts 16:31), and receive Him as Savior (John 1:12), then trust His promise (John 20:31). Is that promise the foundation of your certainty? You can make it so by believing in Jesus. It means we become a disciple to people who need lots of love and some hands on help.

What you do with Jesus now determines what He will do with you later.  With the view of “The Pure River of Life” before us, and to know that there is no night – no need for self made light and we shall live forever – WOW. “Help me, Lord, to truly be Your disciple. Give me the right words at the right time to share Your love, encouragement and comfort, so that others will desire to know You.” AMEN.  

 

><))):>  In "HIS" Service  
                 Bro. Roy