Honey From The Rock

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Honey From The Rock
Psalm 81:16

"Sweet Stuff From God's Word"

A daily Bible study with Victor Knowles
Copyright 2007

A PLACE OF EVERLASTING JOY

This entry was posted on 05-29-2009 and is filed under HEAVEN.

I believe that heaven is a place of joy - true joy, pure joy, everlasting joy. Consider what Jesus said in the Parable of the Lost Sheep. "There is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent" (Luke 15:7). Again, in the Parable of the Lost Coin, Jesus said, "There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10). In the Parable of the Lost Son, there was feasting, music, celebration, and dancing (even though it riled up the older brother!). The father said, "We had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found" (Luke 15:32).

Isaiah spoke of the future glory and joy of Zion. "And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away" (Isa. 35:10; see also Isa. 51:11).

Imagine the joy of being reunited with loved ones who have died in Christ. To me, that is perhaps the greatest joy of all. Before all the security measures came into place at airports (because of the terrorist attack on America on Sept. 11, 2001), I used to enjoy seeing loved ones meet arriving passengers at the gate. I myself was the happy recipient of those joyous greetings from time to time. Just think what it will be like your first day in heaven when you recognize that familiar, smiling, happy face of a loved one! There is no doubt in my mind that we shall know our loved ones in heaven and I plan to write on that topic all next week. Until then, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven..." (Matt. 5:12).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psa. 16:11). How good You are to take care of our loved ones and have such a place awaiting our arrival! Through Christ we pray.