And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up
hither
Revelation 11:12
Without considering these words in their prophetical connection,
let us regard them D as the invitation of our great Forerunner to His
sanctified people. In due time there shall be heard "a great voice
from heaven" to every believer, saying, "Come up hither." This should
be to the saints the subject of joyful anticipation. Instead of
dreading the time when we shall leave this world to go unto the
Father, we should be panting for the hour of our emancipation. Our
song should be--
"My heart is with Him on His throne,
And ill can brook delay;
Each moment listening for the voice,
'Rise up and come away.'"
We are not called down to the grave, but up to the skies. Our heaven-
born spirits should long for their native air. Yet should the
celestial summons be the object of patient waiting. Our God knows
best when to bid us "Come up thither." We must not wish to antedate
the period of our departure. I know that strong love will make us
cry,
"O Lord of Hosts, the waves divide,
And land us all in heaven;"
but patience must have her perfect work. God ordains with accurate
wisdom the most fitting time for the redeemed to abide below. Surely,
if there could be regrets in heaven, the saints might mourn that they
did not live longer here to do more good. Oh, for more sheaves for my
Lord's garner! more jewels for His crown! But how, unless there be
more work? True, there is the other side of it, that, living so
briefly, our sins are the fewer; but oh! when we are fully serving
God, and He is giving us to scatter precious seed, and reap a
hundredfold, we would even say it is well for us to abide where we
are. Whether our Master shall say "go," or "stay," let us be equally
well pleased so long as He indulges us with His presence.
