"No Antiques in Heaven"

For many years now, Charles and I have been going to sales. We enjoy buying things that other people no longer need. Sometimes, we buy items that are dirty or broken. We enjoy making repairs so they will look new again. Sometimes, before the truck even comes to a stop, I’ve already pointed out an item that I would like to have. Soon after seeing it and realizing it’s been damaged, I still want it. I pick the item up and hold it tightly in my hand because it’s going home with me. Charles often asks me, “Why do you want that? It’s not worth anything.”

Oh, I’m so thankful the sweet Holy Spirit came to where I was one night and showed me just how dirty and broken I was. My first response was just like Charles', "I’m worthless; why would you want someone like me? You could never use me!" But God, being rich in mercy, saved me that night! I don’t remember the words I prayed, and to be honest, I don’t remember the date, but I do remember the place where God saved me and washed me whiter than snow. Isaiah 1:18b: "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;"

We are like those old, dirty, broken antiques in many ways...

Maybe you feel hopeless, inadequate, with no sense of belonging. If you’re lost, He’ll save you. He’ll clean you up and make all things new. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

I'm so thankful God sees us differently from the way we see ourselves and the way others see us. “Therefore any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away: behold all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Just like those antique pieces we often pick up, our bodies are also aging. Some family members encourage us to stop going. “You’re not what you used to be,” they would say. What a true statement. But aren’t you thankful we’re never too old to serve the Lord? 

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age: they shall be fat and flourishing.” Psalm 92:12-14

Charles and I have collected so many things over the years. We’re definitely running out of room. Aren’t you glad God always has room for one more? There’s room at the cross for you. Oh, but it doesn’t stop there. We’re going to a place where there’s no comparison and room for you, too. We are incapable of describing just how beautiful and wonderful heaven will be. “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”   John 14:2

We all have a purpose. Sometimes, we may have to change what we’re doing, but we can always bear spiritual fruit and make a difference in the lives of others. There will be no antiques in heaven. God will make everything brand new.