Weekly Newsletter
Pastor David’s Weekly Devotional
Eternity is a long time. In fact, the very thought of unending time is beyond our human comprehension. It’s no wonder that some people imagine eternal life in heaven becoming boring at some point. But according to Scripture, we will certainly not be bored in heaven. The apostle Paul stated that to be with Christ in heaven “is far better” (Phil.1:23) than staying here on earth, that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom.8:18). In the Psalms we read, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you” (Ps.73:25). In the Messianic Psalm 16, King David wrote of God “in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (vs.11).
To be sure, heaven is the greatest place imaginable where forever will never seem too long. For believers, in their glorified and transformed bodies, will be able to see the fullness of God for they will be like Christ (1Cor.13:12; 2Cor.3:18; 1Jn.3:2). While the Bible does not give us a daily schedule of events and activities for our time in heaven, it does give us a sense of what we will be doing in heaven (and it’s not endlessly strumming a harp while sitting on a cloud!).
To be sure, heaven will be beyond our wildest imaginations and greater than our deepest desires. For in heaven we will, for the first time, behold the fullness of the glory of God – without hindrance or deficiency – for all eternity!
Together in and for Christ,
Pastor David
Scripture Readings for the Week (Monday – Sunday ~ Week #42):
Deuteronomy 1-3; 2 Chronicles 21-24; Psalm 120-121; Proverbs 31; Nahum; Acts 7-8; Hebrews 11-13
Recommended Reading:
“The Glory of Heaven” by John MacArthur
Eternity is a long time. In fact, the very thought of unending time is beyond our human comprehension. It’s no wonder that some people imagine eternal life in heaven becoming boring at some point. But according to Scripture, we will certainly not be bored in heaven. The apostle Paul stated that to be with Christ in heaven “is far better” (Phil.1:23) than staying here on earth, that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom.8:18). In the Psalms we read, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you” (Ps.73:25). In the Messianic Psalm 16, King David wrote of God “in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (vs.11).
To be sure, heaven is the greatest place imaginable where forever will never seem too long. For believers, in their glorified and transformed bodies, will be able to see the fullness of God for they will be like Christ (1Cor.13:12; 2Cor.3:18; 1Jn.3:2). While the Bible does not give us a daily schedule of events and activities for our time in heaven, it does give us a sense of what we will be doing in heaven (and it’s not endlessly strumming a harp while sitting on a cloud!).
Praising and worshiping … We know that we can never praise and thank God enough for all that He is and does for us. Heaven is our undiluted and undefiled opportunity to ascribe to the Lord the glory and honor that is due His name – this, of course, will take all of eternity. In the last verse of the most beloved and well-known hymn, Amazing Grace, John Newton captured this reality: “When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun. We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, than when we’d first begun” (see Ps.145:1-3; Eph.3:21; Rev.4:8, 5:13).
Reigning and ruling … We were created by God to rule, to have dominion over all His creation (Gen.1:26-30). Amazingly, the Bible describes the children of God as “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Rom.8:17), and as such we will have God-given authority to govern with Him in glory. In the book of Revelation we read that in heaven believers “will reign forever and ever” (Rev.22:5; see also Rev.3:21 Lk.19:17; 1Cor.6:3; 2Tim.2:12).
Serving and working … Work is not sinful. God Himself works (Gen.2:2). In fact, He created us to work in the Garden before Adam and Eve sinned (2:15). After the Fall, work became a painful toil because of God’s curse (Gen.3:17-19). In heaven we will serve Christ, working for His glory free from the consequences and hindrances of sin (see Rev.7:15; 21:4, 22:3).
Resting and enjoying … God not only works, He also “rested” from His work (Gen.2:2-3). In God’s Word we read, “there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his” (Heb.4:9-11). This rest is not sleep, but the absence of all stress, striving and turmoil. Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt.11:28; see also Rev.14:13, 21:4).
To be sure, heaven will be beyond our wildest imaginations and greater than our deepest desires. For in heaven we will, for the first time, behold the fullness of the glory of God – without hindrance or deficiency – for all eternity!
Together in and for Christ,
Pastor David
Scripture Readings for the Week (Monday – Sunday ~ Week #42):
Deuteronomy 1-3; 2 Chronicles 21-24; Psalm 120-121; Proverbs 31; Nahum; Acts 7-8; Hebrews 11-13
Recommended Reading:
“The Glory of Heaven” by John MacArthur
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