Bible Reading: Revelation 11:12-19 KJV
Key Verse: "And they heard a great
voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up
to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them."
- Revelation 11:12 KJV
Without considering these words in their prophetical
connection, let us regard them as the invitation of our great Forerunner to
His sanctified people. In due time there shall be heard "a great voice from
heaven" to every believer, saying, "Come up hither." This should be to the
saints the subject of joyful anticipation. Instead of dreading the time when
we shall leave this world to go unto the Father—we should be panting for the
hour of our emancipation. Our song should be,
"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 are not called down to the grave—but up to the skies. Our heaven-born spirits should long for their native air. Yet the celestial summons should be the object of patient waiting. Our God knows best when to bid us "Come up hither!" We must not wish to antedate the period of our departure. I know that strong love will make us cry, "O Lord Almighty, the waves divide-and land us all in heaven;" but patience must have her perfect work. God ordains with accurate wisdom the most fitting time for the redeemed to abide below. Surely, if there could be regrets in heaven, the saints might mourn that they did not live longer here to do more good. Oh, for more sheaves for my Lord's garner! more jewels for His crown! But how, unless there is more work? True, there is the other side of it, that, living so briefly, our sins are the fewer; but oh! when we are fully serving God, and He is giving us to scatter precious seed, and reap a hundredfold, we would even say it is well for us to abide where we are. Whether our Master shall say "go," or "stay," let us be equally well pleased—so long as He indulges us with His presence.
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