Monday, February 04, 2008
KNOW HEAVEN IS THEIR HOME
“And I will drive him like a peg in a firm place, and he will become a throne of glory to his father’s house.” - Isaiah 22:23
Isaiah prophesied about the soon coming seige of Jerusalem by Sennacherib’s army. The prophecy, called the “the valley of vision,” (22:1) included a specific reference about "Eliakim the son of Hilkiah” (22:20). Though most in Israel rebelled against God, the Lord recognized Eliakim as faithful and therefore called him to be His servant. God saw good in Eliakim and declared. “I will entrust him with…authority, and he will become a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” (22:21b) In the midst of certain judgment, Eliakim would be secure “like a peg in a firm place.” God would honor him and his family, for he would “become a throne of glory to his father’s house.”
The hope of Christians rests in the promise that when God’s judgment comes, His people are saved. For example the Lord’s wrath fell upon Sodom, yet He delivered Lot. Again the Almighty judged Egypt, but He rescued Israel. Also the Lord sent Judah into exile for seventy years for their wickedness, but Jeremiah escaped the judgment. Most importantly, though many reject Christ as Savior and face eternal punishment, believers are sure that heaven is their everlasting home.
Families that last know heaven is their home. Because the Bible tells us so, believing households understand that this world will be judged. While living out life on this earth, every person has an opportunity to turn away from or toward God. According to Scripture, those who refuse Christ will die without hope and experience the judgment of the Lord. However, those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior fully trust that a better place waits for them. Wise families seek for every loved one in the home to settle their decision about accepting Jesus. When an entire household collectively agrees that Christ is their eternal life, both now and forever, they rejoice. Such homes live with a look to a forever future that is beyond their greatest imaginations.
How would each member of your household answer, “Do you know for certain that you will spend eternity with Christ?” Realize, families that last know heaven is their home.
Isaiah prophesied about the soon coming seige of Jerusalem by Sennacherib’s army. The prophecy, called the “the valley of vision,” (22:1) included a specific reference about "Eliakim the son of Hilkiah” (22:20). Though most in Israel rebelled against God, the Lord recognized Eliakim as faithful and therefore called him to be His servant. God saw good in Eliakim and declared. “I will entrust him with…authority, and he will become a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” (22:21b) In the midst of certain judgment, Eliakim would be secure “like a peg in a firm place.” God would honor him and his family, for he would “become a throne of glory to his father’s house.”
The hope of Christians rests in the promise that when God’s judgment comes, His people are saved. For example the Lord’s wrath fell upon Sodom, yet He delivered Lot. Again the Almighty judged Egypt, but He rescued Israel. Also the Lord sent Judah into exile for seventy years for their wickedness, but Jeremiah escaped the judgment. Most importantly, though many reject Christ as Savior and face eternal punishment, believers are sure that heaven is their everlasting home.
Families that last know heaven is their home. Because the Bible tells us so, believing households understand that this world will be judged. While living out life on this earth, every person has an opportunity to turn away from or toward God. According to Scripture, those who refuse Christ will die without hope and experience the judgment of the Lord. However, those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior fully trust that a better place waits for them. Wise families seek for every loved one in the home to settle their decision about accepting Jesus. When an entire household collectively agrees that Christ is their eternal life, both now and forever, they rejoice. Such homes live with a look to a forever future that is beyond their greatest imaginations.
How would each member of your household answer, “Do you know for certain that you will spend eternity with Christ?” Realize, families that last know heaven is their home.
