Hope in Heaven

19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

 (1 Corinthians 15:19)

Thoughts: Paul says if we take away the hope of eternity from our faith- our faith is empty and pitiable.  Yet, there are many who think heaven doesn't matter.  Heaven gives us a goal, a hope, a strength. Paul is trying to get us to lift up our eyes.  John Calvin spoke of having hope in heaven as an essential part of the Christian life.  This life has a lot of pain.  No one escapes the pain of this life.  This life has a lot of disappointments, mistakes, and problems.  It is a universal experience that this life is not perfect, but we long for perfection.  The resurrection is a focus changer.  The resurrection changes the focus from the death of a great leader, to the worship of the Son of God.  

Prayer: Lord, lift my eyes up to you.  Let my hope of heaven grow that I may work to make this world a better place.