February 7

Morning

Arise and depart, for this is not your place of rest, because its defilement brings destruction—a grievous destruction! — Mic 2:10 BSB

The time is coming for all of us when we’ll hear the call: “Arise, and leave your home, your city, your family, and your friends. Get ready for your final journey.” What do we really know about this journey? What do we know of the land to which we are going? We’ve read a little about it, and the Spirit has revealed a small part to us, but the reality is, we know very little about what awaits us in eternity.

We know there’s a dark and stormy river called death, and God calls us to cross it with His promise that He will be with us. After death, what then? What wonders will open before our eyes? What glories will be revealed? No one has returned to tell us, but we know enough to anticipate it with joy. Heaven is our destination!

The journey through death may seem daunting, but we can face it with confidence, knowing God walks with us through the valley. We leave behind what we’ve known and loved here, but we are heading to our Father’s house, to our eternal home, where Jesus is waiting for us in the city built by God Himself. This will be our forever home, where we’ll live with our Savior in the presence of God and His people.

Christian, think often about heaven—it will help you endure the hardships of this life. This valley of tears is just the path to a better country. This world of sorrow is merely the stepping stone to a world of eternal joy.

Evening

And the witnesses heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched them. — Rev 11:12 BSB

Let’s take these words not just as prophecy but as an invitation from our Savior to His sanctified people. One day, we’ll hear a great voice from heaven saying to us, “Come up here!” This should fill our hearts with joyful anticipation. Instead of fearing the moment when we leave this world to be with the Father, we should long for our release. Our hearts should sing:

“My heart is with Him on His throne,
And ill can brook delay;
Each moment listening for the voice,
‘Rise up and come away!’”

We aren’t called down to the grave but up to the skies. Our spirits, born from heaven, should long for the air of our true home. Yet, we should also wait patiently. God knows the best time to call us home. We shouldn’t try to rush our departure. Though our love for heaven may make us cry, “Lord, take me now!” patience must have its work. God’s timing is perfect, and there is still good for us to do here. If the saints in heaven could regret anything, it might be that they didn’t have more time on earth to do more good.

Oh, to gather more for the Lord’s harvest! To bring more souls to His crown! Yes, shorter lives mean fewer sins, but when we’re in the midst of serving Him faithfully, there’s joy in remaining to scatter more seed and reap more fruit. Whether God calls us to go or stay, let us be content, as long as He allows us to enjoy His presence.