Daily Devotion

“To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but the enjoyment of God is the substance. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. These are but streams; but God is the fountain. These are but drops; but God is the ocean.”

Jonathan Edwards · The Christian Pilgrim; or, The True Christian's Life a Journey Towards Heaven (sermon on Heb. 11:13-14)

Scripture

2 Thessalonians 1:9 “They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power.” Revelation 21:3 “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.’”

Reflection

The true pain of hell lies not in the flames but in the loss of God's presence. Without God's presence, even if one possesses everything, it is empty; with God's presence, even without the splendors of this world, one is fulfilled. The glory of heaven lies not in its golden streets and jade castles, but in God's personal presence among us. May I learn today to make God my greatest joy, not to be distracted by the vanities of this life, but to always long for His presence.