Life here is grand with friends we love so dear

Revelation 7:16-17 “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore: neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto fountains of living waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

The seventh chapter of Revelation speaks of the multitude before the throne and presents to us a description of the ultimate protection, safety and tremendous happiness of all who faithfully serve the Lord while on this side of eternity.

Today, we live in a world of tears. Tears of sorrow, sympathy and sacrifice,  tears shed over losses and disappointments in life, tears shed over our weaknesses, defeats and failures,] tears that are caused by the pain and anguish from illnesses and diseases that strike body and mind. Tears, tears, tears. What family, what individual has not shed many tears on this journey of life? But let’s pause a moment here, close our eyes and listen. Can you hear it? I do. I hear John proclaiming loudly and clearly that one day all those things that are the source of our tears will be no more (Rev. 21:4). There will be deliverance from the trials and tribulations of this world. The most distressing, disturbing and harrowing experiences known will disappear completely. There will be no incurable disease or pain to make the heart cry out in anguish. In that day, God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. What a joyous anticipation is ours today.

We often sing, “Life here is grand with friends we love so dear”, and certainly even with the troubles and strife that often cause tears to stream from our eyes we still want to stay here a little longer. But aren’t you glad that the magnificent grace and love of God make it possible for everlasting peace and happiness to one day replace those tears (Titus 2:11, Heb. 2:9, 1 John 3:1-2). For all who have heard and responded to the voice of God speaking through his word, the Bible, who have believed that word, repented of their sins, confessed him, and have been baptized for the remission of sins, then lived a faithful life, the day will come when they will fly away to live forever in a land where they will never grow old and God will wipe away all tears from their eyes.

On this day my prayer is that all of us will trust and obey our Lord so that one day we can say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”, now, “Father into your hands I commend my spirit” (2 Tim. 4:7, Luke 23:46).

O, how I long to be in that paradise valley where I will be able to enjoy the supreme bliss of heaven with the redeemed of all ages. How about you?

Charles Hicks