As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore. Psalm 125:2
Both now and forevermore...
There are times that I think the church is so focused on life after death, that it does a disservice to life before it. Yes, Jesus died so we might have eternal life, but when does "eternal" start? For something to be truly eternal, it has no end - and no beginning. When we accept the gift of eternal life, we are grafted in - adopted into God's eternal family.
However, this doesn't happen when we die; it happens now. We may have to wait to walk the streets of heaven, but nothing says we cannot experience its joy. Our primary focus in heaven is to worship the Lamb - to bring honor to the One on the throne forevermore.
We can do that now!
Lord, heaven is the destination of all who love You, all who serve You, and all who accept Your salvation. The moment I received Your Son, I became a naturalized citizen of heaven. As a citizen, I no longer need to live like an alien.
The ways of the world are selfish. The ways of heaven are selfless.
The ways of the world are greedy. The ways of heaven are giving.
Make me like one of Your chosen children - not just forevermore - but now. Help me to walk in Your Spirit today.