AM Edition for July 20

The devotional today encourages us to cherish the enlightenment and delight we find in Christ, even though it is but a foretaste of the greater joy to come. Our present experience of God's grace is like a single cluster from Eshcol, a small taste that whets our appetite for the full harvest of heaven. We are reminded that our current spiritual understanding is just the beginning, a glimpse that makes us long for the complete revelation of God's goodness.

Key Points:

1. Present Enlightenment and Joy: What joy and consolation are experienced by the one who relies on Jesus alone. Yet, our understanding of Christ's preciousness in this life is incomplete. As an old writer says, "It's just a taste!" The little we know of His sweetness makes us long for more.

2. Firstfruits of the Spirit: We have enjoyed the firstfruits of the Spirit, which make us hunger and thirst for the fullness of the heavenly bounty. Here, we are like Israel in the wilderness with only a single cluster from Eshcol; there, we shall be in the vineyard.

3. Future Fulfillment: Our spiritual education has just begun. Although we have learned the basics, we cannot yet fully comprehend the glory that awaits. Soon, every wish shall be satisfied, and all our abilities will find the sweetest employment in that eternal world of joy.

4. Heavenly Anticipation: Imagine heaven for a few years. In a very short time, you shall be free from all your trials and troubles. Your eyes, now filled with tears, shall weep no more. You shall gaze in indescribable rapture upon the splendor of Him who sits on the throne. More than that, you shall sit upon His throne. The triumph of His glory shall be shared by you; His crown, His joy, His paradise—all these shall be yours, and you shall be co-heir with Him who is the heir of all things.