Sunday 8 July 2012

Open Heavens Devotional: FACE TO FACE – Sunday, July 8, 2012 By Pastor E.A. Adeboye


Memorise: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12
Bible in one year: Leviticus 24-27
Just like unbelievers, some believers equally have reasons to be shaken when it occurs to them that death is near. When you hear that death has come, what will come to mind? Is my heart right with God? Is there any pending restitution? Do I owe anybody including God tithes? Is there anyone I have not forgiven or made peace with? Have I finished the assignment God gave to me? How about my family? Have I written my will and appointed the person to execute it? Is there any legacy I am leaving behind that could negatively impact on my family after my departure? Will the Lord be ready to receive me as I return to Him today? These questions and several others will come to mind. If you have any of such unanswered questions, start providing the answers and do something about them now. Prepare for your departure. Some parents leave nothing for their children. What are you leaving behind for yours?
However, although we fear death, it is only when we die or are raptured that we can stay in Heaven. It is only in Heaven you will have no pain, death or sorrow and God will wipe all tears from your eyes (Revelation 21:3-4). On earth, even if all is well with you, you may still have a reason to be sorrowful when empathizing with others who are bereaved or suffered a major loss as instructed in Romans 12:15. As a believer, you should not fear death because it is only a door into eternal bliss where you will see Jesus face to face. Some people have seen Him in dreams and visions, but after death, you as a believer in right standing with God will see Him face to face, hold Him, walk with Him, play and laugh with Him. What took Job through his darkest moments was the joy of seeing Him face to face (Job 19:25) and the joy of knowing Him. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:12:
For now we see through a glass, darkly: but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Yes, a day is coming, whether through death or the rapture when we shall be with Jesus throughout eternity. An eternity in the physical presence of the lover of souls, the One who died for us; this is something far beyond our imagination. Death can only help you to enter into that day.
KEY POINT:
When the issue of holiness is settled in your life, come death or rapture you are ready.

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