Friday, March 04, 2016

Far, Far Away?

Heaven can be very very far away. In the midst of hustling to make a living, to complete the urgent tasks, to meet the deadlines, to sort out the challenges of earthly existence, we tend to drift away on the oceans of this realm. Focused on the winds and storms of this life. Consumed by the pursuits and occupations of one's vocation. Barely time to sleep and eat. Life is so hectic...

But hang on a little. If your ship is drifting without a skipper to chart its course, have you considered that the ocean has whirlpools that may suck you into an irretrievable depth? Have you considered your communication links with heaven may become so weak, they may break altogether. Not that God lets go, but Man does. What if you let go of your end of the rope? Can you blame the Lord if you fall?

Like a synchronized machine, like a big clock on your wall, we need to calibrate regularly; synchronize with the Creator so you are on the same page as He is. He never sleeps. Never dozes off. He asks:

"Am I a God who is near," declares the LORD, "And not a God far off? [Jeremiah 23:23]

Eternity awaits. It matters not whether we have money or have none. Whether we have an American or a Kenyan passport.Whether we have three college degrees or none. Whether plebeian or aristocrat. Finally, the things of the earth will be left behind. Perhaps even its sorrows and tears. Perhaps. It all depends on how close we stay to the true Father. No wonder He has names like Ebeneezer, Strong Tower, Wings, Hiding Place, Refuge, Counselor, Comforter, Deliverer, Door, Saviour!

Father of Mercies, Sure Foundation, Fountain of Living Waters, Love, Joy, Freedom; Our Shield, Our Rock, Our Peace, Father to the Fatherless, Healer, Sanctifier, The Bright Morning Star and hence, the Harbinger of the New Day and the Usher of the True Dawn. It will be the final dawn without a sunset for ever and ever. He will be the Light and the Lamb its Lamp.

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.[Revelations 21:23]

For this reason, move near to Him. We are made in His image, therefore, like us, He too values conversation; He too honors fellowship. He prefers that His children sit next to Him. And because He is also God, Lord and Master, He desires worship and praise and thanksgiving. These are the instruments of His Communion. He loves to hear the sounds of a repentant heart as it turns from sin. That sound of true repentance is the sound of victory. The sound of resurrection.

What a God! Who compares with Him? Who creates the grains of sand as easily as entire galaxies. Who knows the secrets of life; who creates life; who authored it? Who comprehends the raw material of the soul and the spirit? Who is worthy to stand before such a God? Who can fathom His glory? Who can define His extents? He is to be worshiped and revered and greatly honored. 

Chose near, not far.

Halelluya!