Gospel Daily Devotional
Perhaps these words sound familiar to you. They were the opening lyric to one of the most influential songs in pop history. The young people of the 1960s & 70s embraced John Lennon’s song “Imagine” and chased the idea of a world that lives and dies with no consequences—a world that has no one to cling to but one another. The song proposes an alter of peace instead of war and that belief in nothing may be a better option than faith in something.
Three generations later, Lenon’s proposed peace has not been found. We are still battling wars, fighting over borders, talk about conspiracy theories, and grappling with world-wide tragedy. Has anything changed?
Why Don’t we turn to God for our moment-by-moment hope? Is this because we’ve bought into the lie of Lennon’s song that there is no heaven or future hope, therefore we have to muster up our own temporary and long-term hope? Are we more focused more on living for today than living with anticipation for eternity? When chaos ensues, I know I can be easily take my eyes off of the hope of heaven. It can be easy for me to be consumed with momentary pleasures rather than running to God for perspective and peace.
In the Bible, Joshua faced tribes that fell away even after God blessed them in many ways. He said in Joshua 22 “How could you break faith with the God of Israel like this? How could you turn away from the LORD and build yourselves an altar in rebellion against him now?” (Vs.16)
My friend, we too are so blessed! Think of the ways God has given us so many amazing things in this life alone—are we really going to throw this all to the wayside by building our own altars of rebellion or false comfort?We cannot come to a point in our life where we see heaven as nothing more than an illusion or inclination. The second we do that we will lose our focus on Him and get lazy in our pursuit of holiness. Let’s never forget the coming reward of being with God and all His goodness for all of eternity!
John Lennon may have written a beautiful song, but it lost its beauty with its misleading lyrics. Don’t live today without stopping to remember there is a heaven, a true place we at one time will go if we keep our eyes fixed on the prize. Take my courage, my friend, the temporary pains of this world with be replaced for eternal joys and peace once we are in His presence.
Reflect: How often do you think about heaven? What would change in your life today if you realized more deeply that this life is driving us toward an eternal glory?
Meditate: Read this passage, mull it over, and even memorize it: “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” — 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
Act: Find someone who you know is discouraged right now and write them a text or email to remind them of the reality of heaven and our hope in it.
