Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Isaiah 64-66
Isaiah 64:4
For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
Heaven! In Isaiah’s prayer that began in 63:15, he proclaims that which Paul loosely repeated. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. I Corinthians 2:9 The promise of something better than this earthly realm seems to invigorate the soul, make determined the spirit, and engage the mind. “What will it be like?” No one knows.
But take a look at this world, absent of sin. This will give a glance of God’s creative ability. The variations of flora and fauna, the different species of living creatures, the colors, the majestic movements of the stars and planets. Take it all in, but know this, Heaven will be more of the same and then even more. It took the Lord six days to create the heavens and the earth, but for over two thousand years He has been preparing a place for each and every believer in Him (John 14:1-4). Those that wait on Him (service) the word that Isaiah used. Those that love Him, the word that Paul used. Service and love, these are the natural outgrowth of faith in Him.
While we do not know everything about heaven, we know enough to know that we want to live there! For example, in the next chapter Isaiah states: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. Isaiah 65:13-14 Here the prophet draws a direct contrast between God’s people and those who have rejected Him. His servants shall eat, drink, rejoice, and sing for joy. Those who do not, will not, that believe not, will be hungry, thirsty, ashamed, cry in sorrow of heart, and howl for the vexation of their spirit.
Which side is better? The servant side right? Right! His servants, those that love Him and serve Him, have a glimpse here of their blessings, but in heaven, their blessings will be observed, experienced, and enjoyed without measure. In another place, Isaiah 66:4-5, the prophet adds even more information. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
Yes, truly, to borrow a phrase from the hymnist: Heaven is sounding sweeter all the time!
Dr. William T. Howe
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