THE GOOD NEWS COMES CLOSER

 

1 Samuel 3:1-10, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51

Introduction

The Bible describes Heaven as a place of eternal joy and the presence of God. It is depicted as a place where there is no suffering, tears, or death. Different passages in the Bible provide varying details about Heaven, emphasizing its beauty, perfection, and the promise of everlasting life for those who believe in God. 

In Heaven, we are told that "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) The picture depicted here indicates the absence of pain and sorrow in Heaven. And John 14:2-3, Jesus speaks about preparing a place for believers in His Father's house, and adds "I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Heaven, in our discussion today is symbolically used to represent all the perfect purpose and will of God for us. God says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11). Therefore, when we say Heaven shall be open to you, we are saying that God's perfection will come to us.

God said to us through the prophet Malachi, "I will ... open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." (Malachi 3:10). Heaven, biblically is indicative is about God's blessing that overshadows all our pains and sufferings.

Heaven Opens with a Call

In 1 Samuel 3:1-10, we witness the calling of the young Samuel, a powerful reminder that God's voice breaks through the silence of our lives, inviting us into a deeper connection with Him.

Samuel had opened Heaven in his humble service under Eli, the priest. We are told that "In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions." (1 Samuel 3:1). Heaven may be closed to many, but for those who humbly serve God, Heaven opens to them. 

Heaven Opens with our right Choices

Moving to 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, we are reminded that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. The choices we make in this earthly vessel have spiritual implications. It either opens Heaven or closes Heaven to us. 

Being united with the Lord opens Heaven to us, meanwhile, uniting ourselves with the pleasures of this world denies us from receiving the goodies of Heaven. By embracing a life that honours God in our actions, we align ourselves with the promise that Heaven will be open to us. Our bodies are sacred, and our choices matter. Paul adds, "You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." (1 Corinthians 6:20)

Heaven Opens in Our Righteous Living

In John 1:43-51, we encounter the calling of Nathanael. Jesus sees him under the fig tree, revealing His divine knowledge and inviting Nathanael to a life-changing journey. Nathanael had no deceit in him, Heaven opened to him.

Similarly, God sees each one of us, knows our hearts, and extends an invitation to walk with Him. When we respond to this call, Heaven opens its gates to us.

Application

Today, we stand at the intersection of divine calling and personal choices. God's voice speaks to us, calling us into a relationship, and our response shapes our destiny. 

Are we listening, like Samuel, to the voice that breaks through the noise of our lives? Are we honouring our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, recognizing the sacredness of our choices? Will we, like Nathanael, respond to the invitation to follow Christ?

The promise of Heaven being open to us is not just a distant hope but a present reality. God's grace is extended to us, and through our faith and obedience, we enter into a transformative journey with the Creator of the universe. Heaven's doors swing wide open to those who heed the call, live righteous lives, and walk in the footsteps of Christ.

Let us be encouraged today, my beloved, for the promise is clear—Heaven shall be open to you. As we embrace our divine calling, make righteous choices - without deceit, and follow Christ faithfully, may the gates of Heaven unfold before us, revealing the eternal glory that awaits those who love and serve the Lord.

May this truth resonate in our hearts as we leave this place, empowered by the assurance that Heaven's embrace awaits those who walk in faith and obedience.

Amen.

Shalom aleikhem...