With the Lord Forever

And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:17b-18)

What’s the best part of heaven? People answer in different ways. A widow longs to see her husband again. An orphan can’t wait to be reunited with his parents. For some, the best part of heaven seems to be as simple as not having to be on earth anymore, with all its pain, frustrations, and heartache.

But none of those things is the best part of heaven. It’s this: “We will be with the Lord forever.” The best part of heaven is Jesus! Do you ever wonder what Jesus looks like? One day, you will see him face-to-face. Do you ever wonder what it feels like to have Jesus give you a hug? One day, you will know that feeling. And it won’t end. Ever. “We will be with the Lord forever.” Can you imagine that?

If when you and I think of heaven, we long for something other than Jesus, that might be an indication that our hearts love someone or something more than our Savior. Watch out! No treasure can compare with the forgiveness of sins. No relationship can duplicate the grace of God for you. No success or glory is equal to being the beloved child of God. What a blessing it will be to be with the Lord forever!

“Therefore encourage one another with these words.” Maybe it doesn’t look like your mom or dad is going to make it much longer. That’s heart-breaking. But remember this: “We will be with the Lord forever.” Maybe cancer has struck someone you love. That makes you feel helpless. But remember this: “We will be with the Lord forever.” Maybe you look at your kids and you can’t imagine one of them dying before you do. Even if God has other plans, “We will be with the Lord forever.” Maybe it looks like your own death is coming sooner than you planned. There’s so much you didn’t get to do. But there’s nothing compared with this: “We will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

There’s an old hymn that says, “Teach me to live that I may dread; The grave as little as my bed.” You can. You can dread the grave as little as your bed. Why? “We will be with the Lord forever.”

Dear Jesus, here on earth, we see you through the eyes of faith. One day, we will get to see you face-to-face. Lead us to long for the day when we will get to be with you forever. Amen.

Pastor Nathan