Many of you may remember the story as well as the song written by Bart Millard from the band “Mercy Me.” The song was born out of the death of Bart’s father who had come to Christ late in life. It touched the hearts of believers and drew unbelievers to ponder their own future. Here are just a few of the lyrics:
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes would see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine.
This song always makes me weep with joy! The song came to mind after reading the passage of Scripture from this Sunday’s sermon, Revelation 4:1-11.
Imagine with me what it must have been like for the believers in each of the seven churches to hear what the LORD said about them. Some may have come away weeping and awakening to the need to repent. Some stayed the course even when it was not easy. Some prepared for trials to come, all the while growing their trust in Him. Jesus always encouraged them because there was reward to come. Then when these letters were finished, John says, “After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice…said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” Then John describes what he sees. What a wonderful gift this was and is. What a great blessing to live in anticipation of the first time we see the throne, the creatures, the LORD face to face, hear the voices singing “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD God Almighty”; all that had been endured before will be gone as we will join with all believers in worshipping Him. To God be the glory.
Imagine:
What will it be like for you to see Jesus face to face?
If you live in anticipation of that moment, how might that transform your everyday life?
What do you want to say to Him?
Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member