Going Back
1. Encourage Those Who Are Going Back
I have seen several posts on facebook of children going back to school. From little kids with their hair fixed just right and their backpacks strapped on, to older students moving into college dorm rooms. Summer is almost over, and ready or not, here they come. Michael has been teaching over 40 years and his students come for their first day on Monday. You may not be going back to school, or even have children going back to school, but you might understand how they feel. Imagine your best vacation, a week of fun and relaxation, and in the end you have to pack everything back up, and go back home, and back to work. It could be a nice weekend. You leave work on Friday and your weekend seems to vanish away, and before you are ready, it is Monday morning and you are going off to work again. I would like to look at some in the Bible who went back, like the prodigal son who went back to his father, and Jacob who went back to Bethel. I hope that we can find some encouragement for those hard times when we have to go back, and maybe look at some times when we shouldn't go back, as the Israelites who wanted to go back to Egypt. Maybe we can be encouraged to help others who are going back.
2. Going Back To School
Did you know that there was a college in Jerusalem during the time of the Old Testament? We read in II Kings 22:14 and II Chronicles 34:22 that Huldah the prophetess "dwelt in Jerusalem in the college". Before that time the Israelites were to teach their children the things of God, not just during school hours, but all day long. We see in this example that "home school" is not a new idea. "And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." (Deuteronomy 11:19) Help those who are going back to school. Remember how hard it is to begin a new job, or visit a new church. Our children are young and they are often burdened down with a heavy load in going back to school. Talk with them and listen for signs of heaviness or troubles. Pray for them and with them. Children today face so much more temptation than most of us did growing up. Many are bullied and they spend their days in misery. Some really struggle in their studies. If you are around someone who is going back to school, reach out in kindness and understanding.
3. Going Back To The Father
Jesus told of a man that had two sons. The younger wanted his inheritance, so the father divided what he had between the two of them. The younger son took a trip into a far country, and wasted all that he had. He got a job feeding pigs and was so hungry and low he almost got to the point of eating the husks that the pigs ate. Let's pick up the story in Luke 15:17.
"17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry."
Maybe you have strayed a little, or a lot, from the Father's house. God wants you to come back home. He is watching for you, just as the father in the story saw his son "yet a great way off." If you read the rest of the story you will see that the older brother is angry with his father for rejoicing at the return of his brother. People who were once in your life may not accept you when you try to go back home again, but don't be afraid to go back to God. His love for you never ends.
4. Going Back To Say, "Thank You"
Try to think of the last ten prayers you prayed. "Help someone who is sick." "Help the children who are going back to school." "God, please help our country." "Help me find my glasses, keys, or phone." We pray so many prayers during the day and that is great. But how many times do we stop to say, "Thank you" to the Lord for hearing and answering our prayers? When Jesus met ten lepers who asked for mercy, He healed them. Only one of them turned back to give Him thanks. " And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" (Luke 17:17) We may say in our hearts that we are not like the nine who did not thank the Lord. But, how many times do we give Him thanks for answered prayer? We would do well to follow the example of Jesus. At the grave of Lazarus, even before He cried out, "Lazarus, come forth", He said, "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me." As we go to the Lord with our petitions in prayer, it would be good for us to also thank the Lord for hearing and answering our prayer. This will strengthen our faith that God hears and answers when we pray. It is also a good way to show thanks to the Lord. I try to pray for my family everyday. Today I am reminded to thank the Lord for watching over them each day. Thank you, Lord, for showing me that I need to be more grateful for your love and mercy and grace.
"38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go." (John 11:38-44)
5. Going Back Away From The Lord
The sixth chapter of John opens with Jesus feeding the 5,000 men (plus women and children) with five barley loaves and two small fish. The next day the people went across the sea searching for Jesus. "Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled." (John 6:26) Jesus then began to tell them that He was the Bread of Life.
"32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." (John 6:32-38)
Many of His followers did not want the Bread of Life. They only wanted what would help fill them in the "here and now", the loaves and fishes.
"66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." (John 6:66-69)
Have things changed much in 2,000 years? Multitudes may pray to Jesus for healing and things to satisfy their wants, but how many turn their back on the Bread of Life, the living Word of God?
6. Taking Back Our Words
Our introduction was about going back to school and I wanted to share an idea with those who may not have seen it before. Give a child a tube of toothpaste and ask him or her to squeeze the toothpaste onto a plate. Then tell him or her to put it back into the tube. We know that this can't be done. Explain that once we say (or type) our words we can't take them back. If we say something rude, or critical, it can hurt and cause pain to the other person. We might say that we are sorry, but once our words are out there, the damage has been done. This is a good little lesson to remind our children to be careful what they say, or what they post, but it is also a good thing for adults to remember. It is especially important to remember when we are writing words, whether in an old-fashioned letter, or text message, or post online, because these can be shared, causing more damage. Proverbs 17:14 tells us, "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with." I can remember playing in the yard at my grandmother's house when I was just a little girl. After mopping the floor, she would take the bucket of soapy water to the front porch and sling the water out into the yard. The water would quickly soak down into the ground, leaving only the bubbles. Our words are like that water. Once they have been let out, we can't take them back. "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." This verse is so important that it is found in Proverbs 18:8 and also in 26:22. What a difference this is in comparison to Proverbs 16:24, "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." If we try to use pleasant words, we won't have to worry about trying to take them back.
7. Going Back To Our Place Of Worship To Find Jesus
I have had nightmares where I lost one of my children and I woke up in a panic, relieved that it was just a bad dream. When Mary and Joseph returned home from Jerusalem with twelve year old Jesus they traveled a day's journey and did not realize that He was not with them. They searched for Jesus for three days before they found Him in the temple. Our thought today is simple. Sometimes we can't sense the Lord's presence. It may be that our troubles and trials have burdened us so much we can't see through the dark clouds. Other times sin may darken our lives so much we can't see the Light. When Job was going through his bitter trial he sought the Lord. "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:" (Job 23:8-9) This is the only story we have of Jesus as a boy. Just as Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple, we can go back to our place of worship and find the Lord, even when the light is dim and we cannot see the way. Keep the faith like Job, who went on to say in the next verse, "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10)
"41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." (Luke 2:41-52)
8. Going Back To Visit New Christians
I just finished reading the book of Acts and it tells of Paul's missionary journeys. One verse that stood out to me is Acts 15:36, "And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do." As men and women heard the gospel message and were saved, the Apostles taught them in the scriptures. When it came time for them to leave and go preach the gospel to another place, they sometimes sent another disciple to teach them from God's Word. "For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church." (I Corinthians 4:17) When a person believes in Jesus and gets saved it is important that they learn from the Bible. The book of Acts is an example to our churches to preach and teach God's salvation plan, and also show young converts how to walk in the Christian way. If they are not able to come to church, we may need to go back to them so they will grow in the Lord.
9. Going Back To Bethel
Jacob cheated Esau out of his birthright and also his blessing, and had to flee for his life. As the sun set he placed stones for a pillow and went to sleep.
"12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;
14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.
17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.
18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first." (Genesis 28:12-19)
Jacob served Laban for twenty years and then God spoke to Jacob and told him to go back to Bethel.
"1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.
2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went." (Genesis 35:1-3)
"9 And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him.
10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.
11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;
12 And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.
13 And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him.
14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.
15 And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel." (Genesis 35:9-15)
Jacob lived a life full of trouble, but when he went back to where he met God, God blessed Him. We have troubles in our lives. The world can knock us off our feet. But we can find help from the Lord when we go back to Bethel, or our place of worship. Has life got you down? Look up. God is in heaven waiting for you to come back to Him. Put away all the idols that have come between you and the Lord. Go back in your mind to where you first met the Lord, your own special "gate of heaven" where you accepted the Lord as your Savior. As Jacob's family changed their garments, put away your filthy rags and be clothed in the righteousness of the Lord. Today is the Lord's day. What a great day to go "Back To Bethel."
10. Going Back To Erase The Scars
The Lord brought to my mind an old story I heard from a preacher many years ago, that went something like this...
There was a boy that could not control his temper. He would get angry and say things he shouldn't say. In his anger he would throw things or break things. One day his Dad took him out to the fence and gave him a bucket of nails and a hammer. He told him that every time he lost control of his temper he had to drive a nail in the fence post. The first time, the boy was so mad he bent the nail, and he could not drive it all the way down. The next time he was so angry he hit his thumb with the hammer, and his thumb nail turned black and blue. Soon there were many nails in the post. One day as he stood there looking at the disarray of nails, many crooked and bent, he saw what an ugly mess he had made. He saw the red rust starting to form against the post and he remembered how Jesus had the nails driven in His hands and feet, and He suddenly felt very ill. He ran to his Dad and told him how sorry he was and he also prayed and asked the Lord to forgive him. His Dad agreed to let him pull one nail out of the post each day that he didn't lose his temper. After a while he had removed all the nails, but the post still had the marks and scars from the rusty nails. He found out that he could confess his sin, and he could try to make things right, but he could not take away the damage that he had caused.
I have not thought of that story in years, but I feel that maybe someone needed to hear it today. God tells us in His Word, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) This is a promise from God, and all of His promises are true. He does cleanse us from our sins, but we may carry the scars of our bad decisions. We can't always go back and erase the marks of our past. It is so important that we live for the Lord and walk in the straight and narrow way.
11. Going Back Down Memory Lane
Many times when I am thinking about writing these devotionals God will remind me of something in my past that I can use in little, life lessons. Paul told the believers at Corinth, "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition,..." (I Corinthians 10:11) We can find help in the scriptures from the lives of others, and I believe that God can also use the little examples in our lives as encouragement or enlightenment for others. For some time now, I have been corresponding with Sally, who recently wrote, "Many of your examples you provide, sounds like you and I could have been raised in the same house." I enjoy our emails and she is an encouragement to me. We are at an age where we can look back with fond memories of growing up in a simpler time. I have three sisters and in those early years we all slept in the same bedroom. We worked in the garden in the summers, and sometimes we played in the creek, as Dad stood by with his gun, watching for snakes. We rode on the back of the truck, played outside until dark when the lightning bugs came out, and helped mow the yard. The swing set popped out of the ground on one corner when we went really high, and we never thought about wearing a helmet when we rode our bikes in the street. Every Saturday night we had to shine our shoes for church on Sunday, because each of us had one pair, and we wore them every day. Going back down memory lane can be fun, and I can see how God watched over us with loving care and provided our needs. Mom always put a meal on the table (and we ate what was there without complaining) and we always had clean clothes to wear. She would drive Dad to work on Fridays so that we could go to the laundromat to wash the clothes, and then we would help her hang them on the line after we got home. I don't have many pictures from my past, but I have all these memories. I started thinking of how it will be thirty years from now. The adults then may be able to look back at lots of photo memories stored in little flash drives or in the cloud, but will they have actual memories of living? I see children everywhere I go, playing games on their phones, but how often do they go out and play games like kick ball and tag? They may have hundreds of friends online, but do they have any real friends that they can sit and talk with, side by side? The saddest part of it all, is that it seems like there are not many children being brought up in church today. Our children need a solid foundation on Christ so they can withstand the storms in life. Be a good example to your children and grandchildren, and put your phone down when you are with them. Take time to talk with them and spend time making memories. Most of all, tell them about Jesus Christ, because He is really all that matters.
"24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." (Matthew 7:24-27)
12. Two Women Who Went Back, And One Who Went Forward
When I think about people that went back home I quickly think about Naomi. She and her husband, Elimelech went from Bethlehemjudah (which means "house of bread") to Moab (which is called "washpot" in Psalms 60:8) during a time of famine. Their two sons married Ruth and Orpah. Elimelech and the two sons died, and Naomi decided to go back home and she kissed her daughters-in-law goodbye.
"14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law." (Ruth 1:14-15)
First, let's looks at Orpah. She went back to her people and her gods. Maybe she never came to know the God whom Naomi served. Her life with this Israelite family was temporary. There are some who marry into a Christian family or try to be part of a Christian church or group, but they never really come to know God. If they don't accept the Lord's gift of salvation it will be hard for them to stay with the true followers of God. They may go back to their old life style and old friends.
Now, we see Naomi. Her name meant "pleasant" but after living in a foreign land she was a changed person. She went back so broken and down hearted her people hardly knew who she was.
"19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?
20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
21 I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?" (Ruth 2:19-21)
Finally we come to Ruth. She had seen something in Naomi and her God that made her stay with Naomi. Though her trials had left her feeling empty, the influence Naomi had on Ruth was strong and good. Look at the kind words of Ruth and hear the love she has for Naomi and the trust she has found in her God.
"16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." (Ruth 1:16-17)
The little book of Ruth has a very happy ending. Boaz was the kinsman redeemer and he and Ruth had a son named Obed, who was the grandfather of King David. (Ruth 4:17)
13. Going Back Is Not Always A Good Thing
When God led the Israelites out of Egypt He didn't lead them in the shortest path to the Promised Land. He even tells us why in Exodus 13:17. "And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:" God led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire through the night. And He fed them with bread from heaven which tasted like "wafers made with honey". (Exodus 16:31) Still the people complained and looked back to the food they had in Egypt.
"4 And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?
5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:
6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes." (Numbers 11:4-6)
Our encouragement today is to keep looking forward and keep trusting in the Lord to lead and provide. He knows the best way for us to go and He knows what we need, even before we ask. "... your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:8) "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
14. Going Back Rejoicing!
Our devotional today takes us to some shepherds who were out in the field, watching their flock of sheep. Shepherds were usually poor, and they may have been lonely out in the fields. Little did they know that their lives would be forever changed that night. The angels appeared to them and told them that the Savior had been born. They went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus. After they met Jesus they went back to their flock rejoicing and praising God. They spread the news that the Savior had been born. They were going back... but they were going back changed men! They met the Savior! When we are saved, our lives are changed and although we may go back to the same job, and home, our lives are forever changed! We go back praising God for His wonderful gift of salvation.
"8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." (Luke 2:8-20)
15. Going Back To Bible Days
Some of the prophets of the Bible were given visions that enabled them to see the future. Because of John's book of Revelation we are able to know what is coming ahead on earth, and we also have a glimpse of the beauty of heaven. But, have you ever thought about going back to Bible days? The only time I remember reading about going back in time was when the shadow went backward on the sundial for King Hezekiah. (Isaiah 38:8) In Joshua 10 the sun and moon stood still about a whole day.
"12 Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.
13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.
14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel."
What if we could go back in time to Bible days? What if we could walk through the walls of water when God stood the Red Sea up for the Children of Israel to pass through? Do you think they could see the marine life swimming along beside them like we see in aquariums? Can you imagine walking through the temple that Solomon built with all the gold and beauty? And how wonderful it would be if we could have listened to Jesus speak on the hillside or by the Sea of Galilee! How great it would be if we could go back in time to the Garden of Eden before the curse of sin and walk and talk with God. Well, we can't go back to Bible days, but we can go to heaven, where the beauty and splender is greater than anything we could imagine. And where there will be no sin or curse. Most of all we will be with Jesus, to live forever and ever. If you have never asked Jesus to save you and forgive you of your sins, I hope that you will now. Just as sure as we can't go back in time, we are not promised tomorrow. Are you ready to meet your Creator?
