Life Flows From The Throne Of The Lamb

Maybe you're thinking, "Isn't that our purpose here on earth as well to serve and worship our God and the Lamb?" And you're right. The Bible makes it clear that we are to honor our God in all that we do: "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV). "I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1 NIV). What a description of our purpose to worship and serve him in this life! As we, in faith to God's glory, carry out our roles as husband and wife, parent or child, pastor and parishoner, citizen and worker, as we show God's kindness to others, as we speak the Good News of God's love in Christ Jesus, we carry out our purpose on earth of serving and worshiping our God and the Lamb.

But how often don't we struggle to carry out that purpose right now? Sometimes we follow Satan's purpose instead of God's. Sometimes we give a half-hearted effort. Sometimes we do our best but fall short. Sometimes we think we've done well but in hindsight wonder how we could have done even better. Like trudging through deep snow, it's hard work. Like finding our way in a blizzard, we easily lose sight of God's goal. As noble as our God-given purpose on earth is, our performance is anything but resplendent.

2. How does anticipating serving God in heaven help us now?

But don't lose heart, dear Christian. Rather through the blinding darkness of this life, keep your eyes focused on the heavenly light shining in the distance. Keep this heavenly scene before your eyes. For life flows from the throne of the Lamb, a life of resplendent purpose.

Look what awaits you who believe! "They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads" (Revelation 2:4 NIV). Yes, seeing God's face is a terror for those who do not trust Jesus. But for you who believe, what joy to see the face of him who has loved you so dearly that he gave you his Son for you. What joy to see the Lamb and count the wounds in his hands and feet and side. What joy for you who believe! For you belong to him. His name in on your forehead. You are his purchased people, bought with his blood.

As we carry out your purpose in heaven, what joy! For nothing will get in your way there. The glory of God himself will surround you. No sin to hinder. No weakness that falls short. "There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light" (Revelation 22:5 NIV). The power and majesty of the Lord God himself will surround you make your performance resplendent as you carry out your purpose in heaven.

And what will we do as we serve and worship our God and the Lamb? What will our purpose be? "And they will reign forever and ever" (Revelation 22:5 NIV). And can't imagine what that will be -- reigning with Christ who is seated "at [God's] right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come" (Ephesians 1:20, 21 NIV). All things are under his feet. He is the King of kings. And we will reign with him. Wow!