Heavenly Longing

Do you long for heaven? Do you value life on earth greater than eternity with God saying, “Lord come, but not before…?” Do you operate on earth to see the fulfillment of heaven’s promises? Hebrews 11 is a chapter in the Bible known as the “Heroes of the Faith.” In the middle of that chapter, verse 13, we find the controlling and sustaining factor for these heroes:

These people all died controlled and sustained by their faith, but not having received the tangible fulfillment of [God’s] promises, only having seen it and greeted it from a great distance by faith, and all the while acknowledging and confessing that they were strangers and temporary residents and exiles upon the earth. (Hebrews 11:13, AMPC)

As “exiles upon the earth,” they were here to accomplish a heavenly mission. They lived everyday as if they were going to see the fulfillment of every promise of God on the earth. They were “controlled and sustained by their faith.” Regardless of whether the fulfillment of the promises of God in their lifetime, they maintained their focus on God’s promises. Our heavenly longing should be to see the fulfillment of God’s promises upon the earth. This should drive our every focus. We should work to gain income to finance the work of God. We should share every day the promises of God with those we encounter. What longing has God placed in your heart that drives you in everything you do?

The Apostle Paul provides several examples of having a heavenly longing:

[Yes] we have confident and hopeful courage and are pleased rather to be away from home out of the body and be at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8, AMPC)

For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity]. If, however, it is to be life in the flesh and I am to live on here, that means fruitful service for me; so I can say nothing as to my personal preference [I cannot choose], But I am hard pressed between the two. My yearning desire is to depart (to be free of this world, to set forth) and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; (Philippians 1:21-23, AMPC)

A heavenly longing, sees our purpose in life is the final destination, eternity with God. In addition, a heavenly longing drives our earthly purpose. While we live here on earth, the life of Christ within us should drive our every thought and purpose with fruitful service. While heaven is the deeper yearning, Paul sees the benefit of him remaining on earth as service to others; service is advancement of the Gospel, and service to those he leads. Jesus said, “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant (Matthew 23:11, AMPC).” An ambassador is sent as a representative and as Ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) we are here to represent His desires which includes Salvation for all (1 Timothy 2:4). Who have you served today? Have you been a good Ambassador? Have you encouraged someone to follow Christ?

The Psalmist had a heavenly longing.

Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You. (Psalm 73:25, AMPC)

Pray. Ask God to awaken a heavenly longing within you. Be driven as an Ambassador for Christ encouraging others, declaring God’s promises in the earth, and placing your primary desire to be in heaven with Christ.