December 23, 2007

Reserved In Heaven

An inheritance incorruptible . . . reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God. —1 Peter 1:4-5

A friend of mine spent several months rebuilding an old Ford Bronco and turning it into an off-road vehicle for use here in Idaho. He kept it in his garage under lock and key. When Christmas came, Gary thought, What better place to hide my daughter Katie’s present.

Shortly before Christmas, someone asked Katie what she was getting for Christmas. “Oh,” she replied, “I already have it. It’s a bicycle in a box under the Bronco in the garage!”

I don’t know what methods Katie used to discover her present. But I do admire her unshakable confidence that the bike was hers even though she did not yet have it in her hands.

That confidence reminds me of the apostle Peter’s words: “[God] has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).

What is reserved for us? Our inheritance—heaven, and a legacy beyond description that rests on the certainty of eternal life, “which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Titus 1:2).

I am living for the moment
When before His feet I fall,
And with all the host of heaven
Own Him Lord and King of all. —Christiansen

A Christian’s future is as bright as the promises of God.

Bible in One Year: Nahum 1-3; Revelation 14

God of All Creation,

We exalt You, Father, for sending Jesus to die on the cross for us, that He might bring glory to You and life eternal for all who believe. Thank You, Lord, for so great a gift.

Be with our President and his family as they celebrate the Savior’s birth, and may the brightness of the Light of the World warm their hearts throughout all of their days.

Father, we know that You care about all of Your creation and You hear our prayers for our pets. Please take wonderful care of Jack, Father, and we pray that out of Your great mercy, You would bring him back home. We confess that You care even about the tiniest sparrow, and nothing is too difficult for You. We pray for Your powerful healing for Kathie and her son as You work Your mighty will in their lives.

Hear us this day, Gracious Lord, as the snow falls and the wind blows. May we be ever aware of Your presence and may our hearts be filled with Your peace. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.