August 14 - Ephesians 2:7

August 14
Ephesians 2:7

Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Let's continue on with our 10th blessing out of 19 that are listed in the first three chapters of Ephesians - of what we have in heavenly places in Christ, and because of Christ. The Apostle Paul is assuring us, as believers in Christ, that when we get to heaven, Jesus will show us all that we have for blessings that lie waiting for us. Think about it, there will be treasures that await us  that we are not even aware of. Can you see Jesus say to you - "Look, this is yours. Look what I did for you. I love you so much, and I wanted you to have all of this"

Jesus told His disciples (as well as you and me) in John 14:2 that He was going back to His Father's house to prepare a place for us. He said there were many mansions there that await our coming. What will those mansions then look like? Beautiful palaces, treasures, lovely fixtures and furniture, beautiful gardens of foliage and flowers with streams of flowing waters.

Many years ago, the Lord gave me this beautiful vision of a garden filled with cultured flat bushes that formed beautiful squares and paths. I  was standing on a balcony that was resting on two steps above the ground. I just knew in my heart this balcony was part of a palace. As I was standing on the balcony, I looked over at this beautiful garden. At the far end, which was probably about 50 feet away, I saw Jesus sitting on a sculphured rod-iron bench. Jesus then patted the bench seat next to Him and said to me, "come, sit with Me." I then walked off the balcony, followed a path through the garden like a puzzle until I came to Jesus as He was still patting the seat for me to sit down. 

Whenever Jesus gives me a vision, it is engrained in my heart. Every vision has a purpose, and Jesus was sending a message to me. This one spoke volumes. 

• The garden was attached to a mansion - which was probably mine.
• Jesus was in the garden - waiting for me.
• Jesus wanted to commune with me, delighting in our time together. 

Since that vision, I have delighted in spending longer worship and communion time with Jesus in prayer, knowing Jesus delights in just spending time with me. No agenda, no petitioning - just being alone with Him, communing back and forth. It's become my favorite way to pray!

Revelation 5:10 tells us that in the ages to come we will be kings and priests under Christ as we reign upon the earth.  Revelation 1:6 tells us the same thing. Revelation 21:21 tells us that the twelve gates entering into the Holy City (where our eternal home dwells) are twelve pearls. The foundational walls surrounding the Holy City are filled with beautiful jewels. The streets are not made of tar or concrete, but pure gold like transparent glass. Now fill it with mansions for every believers, having a beautiful garden (probably like the Garden of Eden) attached to each mansion. WOW!

Can you begin to grasp the picture of what Jesus will present to you and I when we get to heaven? Can you imagine at the Rapture of the Church when we meet Jesus in the clouds and from there Jesus escorts His bride (you and me) into the Holy City - that home that He went to heaven to prepare for us? Can you see the pride on His face, and the surprize on your face, as Jesus presents this beautiful home to you - His bride - that home He went to heaven to prepare for you? That certainly are the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward you and to me. And that is only the beginning - all because of Christ!

Blessings,