THIS AIN’T HEAVEN YET

 

Saturday, March 4, 2023

 

THIS AIN’T HEAVEN YET

 

1 Peter 1:3-6

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: KJV

 

          Every parent has probably heard the whimpering cry of “Are we there yet?” Every child has probably heard the answer of “Five more minutes.” The conversation continues a mile or so down the road. “But I’ve got to go to the bathroom!” Dad looks back and explains, “If we stop now it will only make the trip longer. Can you hold it?” Well, you get the idea.

 

          The believers’ journey to heaven is described by Peter as a time of “heaviness through manifold temptations.” The word manifold is the Greek word poikilos and means motley, various in character.” I like to think of it as a variegated flower, but it is definitely not a flower. To continue our road trip analogy, it is a long uncomfortable ride in a ’39 dodge with horsehair seats and no Stuckey’s in sight.

 

          I remember falling asleep in our old car, being rocked, and serenaded by the music of the road. The next thing I remember is waking up under fresh sheets and the weight of a comforter. How did I get here? Oh, Dad must have carried me in from the car.

 

          We can not imagine why various trouble might be “necessary,” but Peter assures us there is a purpose to those trials. He even gives us an explanation in verse seven. Our faith is being tested and purified. Our ultimate rejoicing is certain.

 

Dear Lord, let me learn from enduring the long wait, then fall asleep and be carried to my reserved destination in the arms of my father. AMEN