October 2

Morning

the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel — Col 1:5 BSB

Our hope in Christ for the future is the driving force and foundation of our joy here on earth. It lifts our hearts to think often of heaven, for everything we desire is promised there. Here on earth, we are weary and worn, but heaven is the land of rest, where the sweat of toil will never again wet our brow, and fatigue will be forever banished.

For those who are weary and burdened, the word “rest” is filled with heavenly promise. Here, we are constantly in battle, fighting temptations within and facing enemies without, leaving us little peace. But in heaven, we will enjoy complete victory. The banner will wave triumphantly, the sword will be sheathed forever, and we will hear our Captain say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

We have experienced loss after loss, but we are heading to the land where death is no more, where graves are unknown. Here, sin constantly grieves us, but there, we will be perfectly holy, for nothing impure can enter that kingdom. In heaven’s fields, no sin can take root.

Oh, what joy it is to know that we are not banished forever—that we will not dwell eternally in this wilderness but will soon inherit everlasting glory!

Yet, let it not be said of us that we are so focused on the future that we forget the present. Let the hope of heaven inspire us to live fully and purposefully now. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the hope of heaven is the strongest motivator for a virtuous life. It is the source of joyful effort, the foundation of cheerful holiness. The person who has this hope within them works with enthusiasm, for the joy of the Lord is their strength. They fight temptation with zeal, for the hope of eternity quenches the enemy’s fiery darts. They can labor without immediate reward, for “here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come!”

Evening

He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man who is highly precious. Consider carefully the words that I am about to say to you. Stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had said this to me, I stood up trembling. — Dan 10:11 BSB

Child of God, do you hesitate to claim this title? Has your unbelief caused you to forget that you are greatly loved by God? How could it be otherwise when you were bought with the precious blood of Christ? When God struck His only begotten Son for your sake, wasn’t that the greatest display of love? You lived in sin and rebellion—yet God showed His great love by bearing patiently with you. You were called by grace, led to a Savior, made a child of God, and given the inheritance of heaven! All of this is proof of His great and overflowing love.

Since that time, whether your path has been marked by troubles or blessings, every step has been filled with evidence of God’s love. If the Lord has disciplined you, it was not in anger. If He has made you poor, He has made you rich in grace. The more unworthy you feel, the clearer the evidence of God’s love, for only His immense love could have led Christ to save someone like you! The more you see your own failings, the more you can marvel at the depth of His love in choosing you, calling you, and making you an heir of eternal joy.

If God’s love is this great, then let’s live in the light and sweetness of it, and embrace the privilege of being His children. Don’t come to Him as if you were a stranger or as if He were reluctant to hear you—remember, you are greatly loved by your Heavenly Father!

“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” Come boldly, believer, for no matter what Satan whispers or what doubts fill your heart—you are greatly loved! Meditate on this amazing and faithful love today, and you will rest in peace tonight.