As prophesied that nations will stream to find the way of life in its time, many members from abroad are visiting Korea (Mic 4:1–2). When they take the plane, it is uncomfortable due to cramped conditions, and challenging as they cannot disembark midway. However, they travel from one end of the earth to the other, longing to reunite with our heavenly family and return to our home, heaven.
This world is sinful, making everything difficult. It is akin to a prison. Since it is a place for prisoners who sinned in heaven to repent and be reformed, comfort cannot be expected here. On this earth, we suffer from heat when it is hot, and suffer from cold when it is cold, and we endure much sadness, pain, and sorrow. It is because this is not our true home, but we are strangers on this earth (Ge 47:7–9).
“My hometown where I used to live was a blossoming mountain village / Peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, baby azaleas / A village adorned with colorful flower palaces . . .”
Songs about hometowns touch our hearts and make us choke up with tears. Our true hometown is the heavenly kingdom (Heb 11:13–16). Our Heavenly Father took pity on us, sinners, and came to this earth to make us righteous and bring us to the kingdom of heaven. He came in the name of Jesus, bore our sins of death, and was crucified in our place. Through the Passover, He gave us His flesh to eat, granting us eternal life. He appeared a second time as Christ Ahnsahnghong and has restored the truth trampled on by Satan, so that we can return to our heavenly home.
Jesus too said, “This world is not my kingdom; because it is not my kingdom, I suffer sorrow and pain” (Jn 15:18–19; 18:36). In this world, we experience much sorrow as strangers. God came to this earth to save sinners, but people did not recognize Him but severely persecuted Him. He allowed only His children to understand the secrets of the kingdom of heaven and recognize Christ (Mt 13:10–13; Col 1:26–27). We should know how much Father loves us, and truly give thanks to Him for calling us His heavenly children.
Until we enter the eternal kingdom of heaven, we must hold fast to this precious truth and prepare to go to heaven, living the years of our pilgrimage. In order to go to heaven, we must think of heavenly things and listen to God’s words (Col 3:1–3). If we love the things of this world, we will lose the kingdom of heaven. Instead of conforming to this world, let us follow God. The things of this earth will eventually disappear, and even if possessed, they are not truly our own. On the contrary, the kingdom of heaven is filled with everlasting joy, satisfaction, and overflowing love. Now is the time to repent and be completely reborn as beautiful angels. “Speak gentle words,” “Consider your brothers and sisters,” “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and “Do not be jealous or envious.” When we are refined and tempered beautifully by following these words, we will enter the kingdom of heaven.
There are countless galaxies in the kingdom of heaven. Imagine wearing celestial robes and happily walking among the fiery stones. Every day, our Father creates new wonders. If you today visit a garden of lilies, tomorrow you will visit a garden of roses, and the day after, a garden of hydrangeas . . . Beautiful scenery will unfold before you endlessly. Apostle Paul, who saw heaven, said it was so beautiful that he could not fully describe it with words. He said that everything that God has prepared for those who love Him is what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived (1Co 2:9).
The present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed, and God will reward each of us according to what we have done. Therefore, we should endure hardships for the gospel on this earth and store up blessings in heaven (Ro 8:16–18; Rev 22:12). Since we are strangers on earth, let us not focus on this life, but aim for our home where our Father dwells—in the glorious galaxies where we will wear shining crowns. Let us live forever with our Father, being served by thousands of angels and sharing in the glory of the kingdom of heaven. Let us insure to reach our true home where we used to live, the heavenly kingdom with colorful flower palaces. Children of Zion, let us diligently seek all of our lost heavenly family members and enter the kingdom of heaven.
