Revelation 4 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“…the 24 elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, worship the One who lives forever and ever, cast their crowns before the throne and say: ‘Our L_rd and G_d, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created.’” Revelation 4:10-11

I’ve had the privilege of leading music at several funerals. There is great ministry in funerals. Of course, the funeral of a Messiah follower has a bittersweet element. Bitter, because a loved one is no longer with us, and sweet because we know they are with the L_rd.

The funeral of a non-believer is a different story. It’s simply bitter.

The thing to remember about funerals is that the ceremony is not really for the deceased. Funerals are for those of us left behind. They help us mourn by giving us a chance to say goodbye. Before our memories begin to fade, funerals give us a chance to memorialize the departed.

Often after the death of an unbeliever, the family will ask the minister if their loved one is in Heaven. I once heard a pastor answer that question in a very wise way. He said, “I am certain that wherever they are, your loved one would tell you to trust in Yeshua!”

Friends, Heaven & Hell are not merely theological concepts. They are real places. I could see why you might not trust the testimony of the average person. But at least consider the testimony of those who are there! Those in Heaven would say that trusting Yeshua was the best decision they ever made! Those in Hell would say rejecting Him was their worst mistake.

The apostle John was enabled to see Heaven, through the power & guidance of G_d’s Ruach (Spirit). He saw 24 elders, worshipping G_d. These elders were once people like you and me, living on earth. When they passed, they joined the Father and the Son in Heaven. By their own admission, the salvation and honor they received were only because of G_d’s grace. The same grace is extended to us. It is free and it is immediate, if you would only choose to turn from your sin and accept it.

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Tuesday, December 17, 2013