The Rest of Heaven! # 3

The Rest of Heaven! # 3

But if retirement has been preceded by honorable toil, by willing self-denial, or by deeds worth living for - then not only has the power to enjoy been augmenting, but the recollections of past labors brighten  and sweeten present rest. May we not believe that this law of earth is also a law of Heaven? We would not, indeed, even hint that regret or shame can for a moment darken that world of perfect joy; but still, is it not certain that the capacity of enjoying the rest of Heaven must be very different in the man whose life has been passed in comparative indolence - and in the man whose days have been all spent in the service of God? Both may receive from the great Judge their "penny" but that penny will not be the same to both. And hence it is not without significance that the eulogy is first pronounced, "Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus;" and then the assurance is added, "they shall rest from their labors, and their works follow them."

And unspeakably blessed to such is this rest. For it is as far removed as possible from mere quiescence or inglorious ease. All that is burdensome or distressing in work or warfare will be escaped from; there will be no conflict between the flesh and the spirit, no enemies to watch and repel, no scenes of misery and vice to oppose the heart, no opposition from those who have been the objects of toil and prayer, no fatigue or exhaustion from labor, no seasons of darkness or fear, of discouragement or despondency from weariness, trouble, and sin - there will be perfect, everlasting deliverance!

But this rest is by no means opposed to activity. May we not rather say that activity forms an integral part of that rest? Doom the man of energetic character to a sphere of absolute quiet, and he is as restless as the caged eagle, which frets all inaction, but in the boldest flight finds its recreation and delight.

To minds that are delivered from all distracting cares, and all the weakness of the flesh, who are surrounded by congenial society, and summoned to congenial employments - activity is rest. And such is the rest of Heaven. It is not quiescence, but satisfaction. There are grand purposes to accomplish, but no burden to cause distress or fatigue.

REST! What is our highest conception of it? Is it not this: that our nature should be restored to its original perfection; delivered from each trace of feebleness, disease, or sin; every power acting without effort; thought, purpose, desire, conduct - all spontaneously conformed to the Divine will and answering to the Divine ideal! 

Moreover that we should be placed in a world in every respect corresponding with our perfected nature... where no scene or object could jar with our sense of absolute beauty and enjoyment; where fellowship, influence, occupation, would be all on the side of holiness; and where the purity within and around would enable us to act with unconstrained freedom, and yet without danger or fear.

Finally, that we should be surrounded by circumstances in which no craving or aspiration should be unsatisfied, where intellect should discover  unalloyed, eternal truth; social affection find friends that never disappoint; the heart should exult in the presence of Jeus, and the soul be filled with the beatific vision of God!

Would not this constitute perfect satisfaction? Well, this is the blessedness of Heaven, where all is harmonious within, and all congenial without; there is ceaseless activity, and yet eternal rest!

This is the portion of the faithful dead; and this is to be our portion. This is the consummation to which our adorable Master is graciously leading us. This is the glorious outcome of our poor, feeble, fitful, unprofitable service. Who would not labor for such a Master? Who would not make light of earthly trials, in view of such a glorious eternal inheritance? Who would not toil in prospect of such a rest?

Then I heard a voice from Heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on."

"Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor,for their deeds will follow them." (Revelation 14:13).

~Joshua Harrison~