Worth the Wait
Scripture Reading — Matthew 22:1-14
Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
If we are alert, we can sometimes see glimpses of heaven in our everyday living. I have been to wedding receptions where the bride and groom are a match made in heaven, where the music stirs my soul, and the food and drinks are divine. These are unique events in which we understand that the unconditional love of marriage should prompt a great celebration. We capture such moments on video because we know that in this lifetime they are rare and fleeting. They seem like foretastes of heaven, whetting our appetite for the real thing. Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a wedding banquet because these events reveal scenes of heavenly delight.
Most of the days of our lives are not like heaven on earth. Often life is hard, and we face difficult struggles. But if we are clothed in Christ, we can anticipate the eternal wedding feast.
The Bible’s descriptions of the new heaven and new earth are like a menu that aims to describe what must finally be smelled, tasted, and consumed to be understood and appreciated. Heaven-like moments in life are like tiny appetizers handed out as we wait in the rain to get a table at a fine restaurant. Both give hope to tired legs and empty stomachs. The intent is to assure us that the wait is worthwhile.
In hope, let’s serve our Lord here on earth as we wait for eternal joy in heaven!
Father, thank you for the joy of heavenly moments in this life and the promise of heaven in the next. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Rob Jansons
Rob Jansons is the pastor of New Hope Fellowship in Monroe, Washington, where he has served for almost twenty years. He and his wife, Sue, have been married since 1989 and have three daughters. Rob spends time each year in Calcutta, India, working with a Christian ministry to children living in slums. He enjoys hiking in the Pacific Northwest, camping with his family, reading, writing, and being a pastor.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!