A Heavenly Home Worth Waiting For – Week of November 27, 2023
Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”
Matthew 25:34
ECME Devotion November 27, 2023
See series: ECME Devotions
What are you looking forward to? Checking a project off your to-do list? Seeing a friend or family member? A holiday break from school and meetings? Purchasing a certain Christmas gift? Sleeping in next weekend? It’s natural for us to look ahead to things we’re excited about, to things we’re looking forward to.
Do you know what God’s looking forward to and excited about? Welcoming you home. God has a future so amazing planned for you that it’s beyond your imagination. A place without sin or heartache or pain or fear? Hard to imagine. A place where we will continually live in joy and harmony with one another? Hard to imagine. A place where you’ll see God’s glory and sing his praises day and night without reserve? Hard to imagine. And yet. It’s true. God has prepared a heavenly inheritance for you, and through faith in Jesus, God brings you into his family to receive it. You don’t have to earn it or purchase it or get on the wait-list. In Jesus, it’s already yours, and God can’t wait to share it with you.
If only, we let that be enough. Instead, we find ourselves comparing the materials and opportunities someone else has to what we have. We congratulate ourselves for completing a task more effectively than someone else. We do something to be recognized or praised rather than to genuinely help someone out. We fail to be the perfect people God has called us to be. In summary, we get caught up in sinful thoughts, words, and actions rather than looking for opportunities to serve in joy and gratitude for the grace God has shown to us.
When we recognize these sins and failures and bring them to God in repentance, he gives us more good news – in Jesus, our sins are completely and forever forgiven. They cannot keep us from God’s love, and through faith in Jesus, that heavenly reward is still ours.
Therefore, we can see each new day as another opportunity to serve God in love by loving and caring for those around us – in the classroom, at the grocery store, at home, out at the park, in rush-hour traffic, or in your neighborhood. Let people see God’s love and forgiveness evident in you as we wait for Christ’s return. Look ahead in joy and anticipation, knowing God can’t wait to welcome you home!
Prayer:
Dear God, it’s so easy for us to lose sight of the incredible gifts you give us – love, forgiveness, a place in your family, and an eternal home. Thank you for making all of that possible through the death of your son, Jesus. Help us to look ahead to that day when we will see you face to face. And while we wait, help us to make the best of each opportunity to share your love with those around us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
A Question to Consider:
Take a moment to reflect on and praise God for the incredible gift of heaven. Tell someone you love about God’s incredible gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Listen to “Heaven Changes Everything” by Big Daddy Weave for some inspiration.
