“The Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16, NIV
Have you ever wondered what that command will be? It will be the inaugural word of heaven.
I could very well be wrong, but I think the command that puts an end to the pains of the earth and initiates the joys of heaven will be two words: “No more.”
No more loneliness. No more tears. No more death. No more sadness. No more crying. No more pain.
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The hero of heaven is God. Angels don't worship mansions or glittering avenues. God is not the grand marshal of the parade, he is the parade! He's not the main event; he's the only event. His Broadway features a single stage and star. Himself. He hosts the only production and invites every living soul to attend.
At this very moment God issues invitations by the millions. He says, “Come, enjoy me forever.” Yet many people have no desire to do so. He speaks; they cover their ears. He commands; they scoff. They don’t want him telling them how to live. They regard his son as a joke and the cross as utter folly. They spend their lives telling God to leave them alone.
Jesus offers the invitation in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
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