Evening, February 7

Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings

Revelation 11:12

"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 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 hither." 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.