EMMANUEL'S LAND What can be more
delightful for the weary pilgrim who is hastening to his heavenly
mansion than to meditate on the unspeakable wonders of his eternal
home beyond the skies? There is much of Emmanuel's land
to engage our hearts in sacred contemplation even while we sojourn
and toil in this world as strangers and pilgrims. Heaven is the most
encouraging and attractive occupation to which we may set our hearts.
Yet I wonder why many of us fail to avail ourselves of the enjoyment
and spiritual strength afforded in such a holy pursuit. Could
it be that the allurements of this world keep us from recognizing
how near we are to the unseen, supernatural and eternal state? Instead of dwelling on the glorious
world to come, do we focus on the mere momentary pleasures
of time? We do well to examine ourselves
with judgment-day honesty that we may check the affections of
our heart. It is the influence of the future
heavenly realities exercised in our hearts and lives which
gives vitality and beauty to our religion. It reveals genuine
piety as our aim is in contrast to the passing pleasures of this
fleeting earth. It affords light along the path
of life's dark trials and points to the realms of bliss where
there shall be no more tears and sorrow is banished forevermore. The glorious rest that remains
for our earth-wearied souls, the sweet consolation of the
redeemed in glory, the unending fellowship of that precious society
of saints, the incalculable riches laid up in store for us to receive
on that glorious day, are all facets of Emmanuel's land that
we might set an adoring eye towards the one object of our affections,
Jesus our wondrous Redeemer. let us therefore set our affections
on things above, and fix our hearts steadfastly upon the heavenly
joys and glory of Emmanuel's land. But our citizenship is
in heaven, and we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord
Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything
under his control will transform our lowly bodies, so that they
will be like his glorious body. Philippians chapter 3, verses
20 and 21.