In Heavenly Places

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Ephesians 2:4 (KJV)

 
I heard a story once of a man that had saved his money for years to go on a cruise. He had heard of the beautiful destinations that the cruise ships visited and wanted to be able to walk on those foreign lands one day. He was a poor man and worked hard to save enough money but when he had almost saved enough his house caught fire and he lost everything. A wealthy man heard of his misfortune and purchased a ticket for him on a luxury cruise. The man was overwhelmed at his good fortune and planned for the trip of a lifetime. Every day while on the cruise a nice young man would knock on his door and ask if would be joining them for dinner. Politely the offer was always refused. He knew that this trip would take two weeks so in his luggage he brought some bread and peanut butter to sustain him. He knew there were beautiful things on the ship and fine dining halls but he was sure that he would never be able to afford them so he spent the day sitting in his tiny room and ate only peanut butter sandwiches three times a day.

The two weeks had passed and on the last night before their arrival at the exotic destination he decided to celebrate and go to the main dining hall for dinner. As he walked to the hall he saw the beautiful ship and noticed the people lounging in the ornate halls talking with each other and enjoying games and movies. When he entered the main dining hall the delicious aroma of the evening’s cuisine was almost overwhelming. The Head Server asked his name and when he told him the man said,

“We have been waiting for you. Your place has been set every night and your food prepared but you never came to eat.”

What the man did not know is that the price of the ticket included everything! All the entertainment, all the food, all the sights and wonders were all ready purchased. All that he had to do was claim them.

How tragic! Yet, so many today have approached salvation in the same way. They gladly received the gift that God purchased on Calvary. They know that their sins are forgiven and they can’t wait to make Heaven their home but they aren’t enjoying the trip.

In our verse Paul says, “But God, who is rich in mercy..” God did not spare any expense. He is not holding back anything from us. Two verses later Paul writes,

“And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

That is present tense! Not some future destination that requires us to sit in our rooms and eat peanut butter until we get there. In Christ we have been given the keys to the kingdom. Today! The Holy Spirit is part of the gift. He indwells the believer and imparts supernatural gifts that make the journey exciting and make us more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. Some are waiting for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and while that may be the greatest dinner ever, there is a table set today and your place has been reserved. The feast has been prepared and the Spirit calls, Come and Dine!