Prepare For His Return

Saturday, May 9

Revelation 7:15 (NKJV)

“Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.”

Devotion

In Pastor Franklin's message on Sunday, he spoke about heaven and the absence of pain, tears, and sorrow. That we will be in the Lord's presence. That all who are washed in His blood and made right through Christ's death will worship at His throne. Because of this, our greatest desire is to faithfully serve Him and converse with Him through prayer, and to be obedient to His will for us. And our greatest hope is to be with Him in heaven. We long to be where our real home is. While we are down here, we are to wait and serve Him until He comes.

In heaven, there will be absolute perfection. All that is good will be there, and all evil will be eliminated. We will not have to be afraid anymore because peace will reign instead of violence. No more bloodshed and hate, for our God is a God of love. There will be no more sickness or death. God will be our tabernacle, and He will shelter and protect us with His presence. There will be no need for the sun or moon, for He will be our light. There will be no more darkness or night.

It will be like it was in the Garden of Eden. In Isaiah 11:6–9, it talks about how the wolf will lie down with the lamb, and the leopard with a young goat. All the animals who once were predators will lie down together and eat grass, and a little child will lead them. We will be changed and have glorified bodies. Everyone will live together in harmony, in perfect paradise.

Since we have this great hope to look forward to, we should be watching for His return eagerly, awaiting the time when we will be reunited with our loved ones and be with Jesus, our Groom. A time of great rejoicing and gladness. We will see Him as He is and worship Him. We will be in a place of beauty like we have never seen before. So let these thoughts spur you to serve Him more eagerly as you await His soon return.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the glorious hope of heaven and the promise of eternity in Your presence. Help us to live with hearts prepared for Your return, serving You faithfully, walking in obedience, and seeking You daily through prayer. Keep our eyes fixed on what is eternal, and stir in us a greater passion to honor You while we wait. May the hope of seeing You face-to-face inspire us to live holy and devoted lives. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Take inventory of anything competing for your devotion to Christ, and make the necessary adjustments to keep Him first.

Resources

• You can’t serve two masters. Watch this short clip, “Who Are You Going to Serve?” and ask yourself honestly where your loyalty lies.

• Step into purpose today, sign up for a Serve Team and use your gifts to honor the Lord while there is still time to work.