Devotionals

Why Heaven is Delayed?

by David Roper

[Editor's Note: I am sure, we all wondered why our loved ones sometimes go though years of agony and pain (such as in case of Cancer) before they are called by our Lord to their eternal home. Some people even contemplate suicide to get out of this. Today's discussion from 'Our Daily Bread' provide an answer to this question, 'Why heaven is delayed for some?' God has a plan for everything and nothing happens by chance. Read on..]

Bible Passage for Today's Meditation: John 13:33-38

John 13:33-38 (New International Version)

33 "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.

34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

36 Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later."

37 Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."

38 Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!"

Discussion:

David, after he had served his own generation . . . fell asleep. Acts 13:36

I have a dear friend who served as a missionary in Suriname for many years, but in his final years he was stricken with an illness that paralyzed him. At times he wondered why God allowed him to linger. He longed to depart and to be with his Lord.

Perhaps life is very hard for you or a loved one, and you are wondering why God has allowed you or your loved one to linger. When Jesus said He was going to heaven, Peter asked, Lord, "why can I not follow You now?" (John 13:37). You, like Peter, may wonder why entry into heaven has been postponed: Why not now?

God has a wise and loving purpose in leaving us behind. There is work to be done in us that can only be accomplished here on earth. 'Our afflictions, which are for the moment, are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory' (2 Cor. 4:17). And there is work to be done for others if only to love and to pray. Our presence may also be for the purpose of giving others an opportunity to learn love and compassion.

So, though you may desire release for yourself or a loved one, to live on in the flesh can mean fruitfulness (Phil. 1:21). And there is comfort in waiting: Though heaven may be delayed, God has His reasons. No doubt about it!

Not so in haste, my heart!
Have faith in God, and wait;
Although He seems to linger long
He never comes too late. - Torrey

Our greatest comfort is to know that God is in control.

Source: Our Daily Bread by RBS Ministries

See Also:

More Devotionals

Daily Devotional: Today With Jesus

Daily Devotional: My Utmost for His Highest

Weekly Devotional

Thought for the Day

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