Glimpses of Heaven...here on Earth

Do you know why Satan loves to isolate us from other Christians?  Do you know why he attacks our thoughts; trying to convince us that we shouldn't "bother" others with our problems?  That we're a burden to others?  Do you know why God commands us to not forsake gathering together with other believers? (Hebrews 10:25), To share each others burdens? (Galatians 6:2) 

I think there are several reasons for why Satan attacks in specific ways but one thing to remember is that Satan was in Heaven...he knows the perfect communion we will have with God and each other and he knows that here on Earth one of the gifts God gives us...one of the glimpses of Heaven here on Earth is gathering together with other believers; building relationships with them...for encouragement (1 Thessalonians 5:11), for accountability (Luke 17:13 & James 5:16), to "sharpen" each other  (Proverbs 27:17) and so much more....  I remember several years ago, attending a small concert at Gordon College.  My sister joined me even though she wasn't very familiar with the group or their songs.  At one point she commented that even though she didn't know the songs she was enjoying the concert because she was hit with the fact that worshiping together is a hint of Heaven...people from all backgrounds who may know nothing about each other will raise voices together praising the God that we all love and serve.  Christ desires unity; Satan desires division...Christ desires community; Satan desires isolation.

The book of Revelation gives us other glimpses into Heaven; a glimpse of the majesty, glory and greatness of Christ's home; God in His true position of King.  There are two songs that have lyrics regarding this that I just love.  One is called "O Praise the Name"; there is one line that says "the angels roar for Christ our King" speaking of the resurrection; now there is no specific verse in the Bible that speaks to the angel's reaction to the resurrection but when Jesus was born there was a whole host of angels that proclaimed His birth, (Luke 2:8-10) and Jesus Himself also tells us that when one person accepts Christ as Savior there is rejoicing in Heaven (Luke 15:10).  Can you imagine what it's like to hear thousands upon thousands of angels rejoicing? Can you imagine the roar; the cheer that went up when death was defeated?  When Christ accomplished the task of redeeming us?  It's so cool to think about the perfect worship and joy we will have in Heaven.  Another line regarding Christ's return says "And I will rise among the saints, my face transfixed on Jesus' face"  What a thought!  To look into the very face of our Savior!

The second song is called "Is He Worthy" and the lyrics are taken from John's vision in Revelation chapter 5.  The song starts by asking the question posed in Revelation 5 "Who is worthy to open the scroll?" (vs 2)  in verse 4 John says he was weeping because no one in Earth was able to open it...but then in verse 5 John is told "weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David has conquered, so that he can open the scroll"!  The victory belongs to Jesus...HE IS WORTHY!! Here on Earth we worship Christ but how much greater it will be to worship Him perfectly in His very presence!  

So as believers living here on Earth let us keep our focus on our home...and more importantly on the One who has conquered the grave; who has provided salvation!  "O Praise the Name of the Lord our God; O Praise His Name forevermore, for endless days we will sing Your praise, O Lord, O Lord our God"...