Four Special Blessings In Heaven

We all prefer receiving blessings more than we enjoy being cursed. At least those among us who are not masochists who take pleasure in being hurt or punished. That holds especially true when we refer to how God works in our lives. I have never yet sought the Lord’s curse, but constantly request His blessings. I think we all pray as did Nehemiah, “Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it.” Nehemiah 5:19 (NLT2)

Yet, there is a subtle danger of praying selfishly for God’s blessing as did the fellow who prayed, “Lord, bless me, my wife, our sons, we four, no more!” But what I share today, I hope you will take as your own personal assurance, and let it lighten your days, reduce your angst, and give you a pleasant anticipation of four special blessings that await you in Heaven.

We are, for awhile, earth-bound Heaven dwellers. Listen to what God’s word assures us:

“We are citizens of Heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.” Philippians 3:20 (NLT2).

“So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” Ephesians 2:19 (NLT2).

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of Heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of Heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 (NLT2).

“I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the Heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT2).

The Bible gives us insight to some activities; so let us consider a few Biblical insights:

There will be dining and fellowship at God’s table. Matthew tells us that “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. Matthew 22:2 (NLT2). So there will be times of dining and fellowship. And, I hope, no brussels sprouts, mince meat or any variety of shell fish!

There will be joy and celebration. Just listen to what God says to the faithful: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” Matthew 25:21 (NLT2).

There will be reunion with saved loved ones. “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NLT2).

John relates Gold’s promise, God will be there. “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:1-4 (NLT2).

So, consider just four out of many countless blessings that await us. They are stated thusly, “There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.” Revelation 22:3-4 (NASB).

What kind of blessings are foretold in the text?

I. THERE WILL BE CHRIST, NOT A CURSE:

A. Let us hear it again. “There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it.”

B. The curse of sin, death and the loss of innocence occurred in Eden when Eve was deceived and led Adam into the same disobedience.

1. But there is no sin in Heaven, so there is no curse.

2. There is no condemnation, no judgment, no hell where Jesus is.