I have finished with Matthew’s Gospel. I think I will embark on a path that, over the years, I have not followed in my daily reading. That is, I will allow an author and his book (actually, a collection of his sermons) to direct my daily reading and thoughts: W. G. T. Shedd, Sermons to the Natural Man. A. A. Hodge wrote of this collection, “[These sermons], are, if not absolutely the best, yet [are] of the very best doctrinal and spiritual sermons produced in this generation.” Though addressing, primarily, not the one who has come to Christ, but the one who needs to come to him, there’s a lot here for us. Shedd was a 19th century theologian and Presbyterian pastor. In his sermon “The Future State of a Self-Conscious State,” he reflects on Paul’s statement: “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
This is the great faith-hope-love chapter. Shedd: “The apostle Paul made this remark (our verse) with reference to the blessedness of the Christian in eternity.” Earlier in the letter, Paul wrote, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” (2:9). Shedd continues, “While upon earth, the arrangements are such that we cannot but see every thing, and must walk by sight . . . Hence it is, that the preacher is continually urging men to view things, so far as is possible, in the light of eternity.” We get so caught up in temporal matters, both joys and sorrows, and our gaze is distracted from eternity. But how should we live? Jesus tells us: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes would see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine
Yeah
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine. –MercyMe (1999)
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