When we receive the Holy Spirit, the power of God begins to work within us. Having received the Holy Spirit of the latter rain promised at the Festival of Tabernacles, let us now unite our hearts and gather the materials for building the heavenly Jerusalem Temple.
Life in this world is wearisome for everyone. When we have much, we worry because it is burdensome to manage; when we have little, we worry because of our lack. Even if we store up many things out of greed, none of them truly becomes ours. This is because this world is not our home; it is a place stained with sin. No matter how many years we spend on this earth, our time here is only a moment. Only when we return to our heavenly home will all sorrow, fatigue, and hardship come to an end. For this reason, God tells us that our life on earth is like the days of a foreigner—like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (Heb 11:13–16; Jas 4:14).
Heaven is a glorious kingdom overflowing with everlasting joy and happiness. No one can take away the blessings that God gives, and they will be ours forever. Because of this, we must diligently store up heavenly blessings while we dwell in this world. God has poured out His love on us. He restored the kingdom of heaven that we once lost. To save us from the sin of death, He came in the flesh, was crucified in our place, and came again in the flesh to restore the new covenant and feed us the fruit of the tree of life. How immeasurable is this grace!
Our citizenship is inheaven (Php 3:19–21). Since God in heaven is our Father, we as His children must live with Him. Through the New Covenant Passover, God has placed His seal upon us, declaring, “You are My children,” and has made us one body and one family with Him. How blessed we are that the kingdom without sorrow, pain, or death has become our homeland! How joyful it is to know that, as God’s children, we will live forever in heaven! Let us hold this happiness in our hearts and walk the path to heaven with joy. And to everyone we meet, let us preach the good news, inviting them to journey together to that wonderful, eternal home.
Everyone prepares when the time comes to return to their hometown. Likewise, those who will go to heaven must also prepare. God does not take us as we are; rather, He transforms us to become beautiful and holy. We must be changed into a form that is fitting for heaven. Through His word, our Father gently shapes us, teaching us with love: “Live kindly. Be patient. Live a godly life. Do not grumble. Do not judge. Love your brothers and sisters as yourself.”
The children of Zion must live by the food that endures to eternal life—God’s word (Isa 54:13; Jn 6:27). If God tells us to be humble, then we must practice humility. If He tells us to be good, then we must live kindly. If our Father is love, His children must also be love. Love is not rude. It is gentle, considerate, slow to anger, and patient. It shows courtesy and care (1 Co 13:4–13). These are the teachings given to us by the God of love, who came to this earth to save the sinners who betrayed Him and who sacrificed Himself on the cross.
Let us be transformed beautifully as God molds us. The Bible says we are like clay in the hands of the Potter (Isa 64:8; Jer 18:2–6). As He shapes us into those who will dwell in the heavenly kingdom, all we must do is obey His words. God is refining us into the finest materials for the heavenly Jerusalem Temple. If we train ourselves in godliness according to His word, love our neighbors as ourselves, consider others better than ourselves, and remain humble and caring, then we will be made complete and without flaw, and God will grant us a full entrance into heaven (Mt 13:47–50; 1 Ti 4:6–8; 2 Pe 3:6–7).
Just as Noah and Lot acted righteously by guiding others to the way of salvation, let us also diligently call all people to come to Zion (2 Pe 2:4–9). Preaching is an act of righteousness—an expression of loving one’s neighbor as oneself and following the will of our Father. Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit of the latter rain that we have received, let us preach boldly. God’s children will surely hear the voice of salvation. The water of the Spirit diminishes when kept still, but becomes a living spring when it is poured out. May you become children of love who save many souls by preaching the gospel earnestly—from your neighbors to all nations. And may the joy of the heavenly kingdom strengthen you to endure and overcome every hardship of this earth.
