If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.
C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity)
Some days I simply long for my true home. I know that nothing on this earth can satisfy the desires of my heart, and I know that God has prepared a perfect place for me. I know that Jesus will return and establish a new kingdom in which He is fully glorified! And I long for that day. This well known quote by C.S. Lewis captures the essence of my longings so well (I even have it hanging in my kitchen!). Life in this broken world can feel overwhelming, and the division can run so deep. I believe that is part of what makes the promise of the second advent so exciting–the knowledge that God’s big plan is still unfolding and He’s not done yet. We know who will have victory, and we know who will rule in eternity. That in and of itself should put the proverbial spring in our step!
Despite this glorious promise and the excitement that accompanies it, we also are fully aware of the difficulties of living as a disciple of Christ. In this particular passage of Scripture, we see that the Church in Philadelphia was being encouraged. They lacked power, but they persevered in faith. In the midst of hardships and persecutions, they didn’t lose sight of the glory of their Savior. Here Jesus encourages them to hold fast in their faith as He will be returning soon. He promises to give them a place in the new kingdom and give them a new name. What a fantastic promise this is indeed. Let’s take a note from the page of the Church in Philadelphia…let’s stay faithful. Let’s hold fast. Let’s pray for our brothers and sisters enduring persecution daily. Let’s endure hardship knowing that Jesus always keeps His promises and God’s plan is always best. As we long for our true home in a way this world can’t satisfy, let’s steward our time as sojourners in this world and make disciples for the New Kingdom.
VC Devotionals 