Some mornings a hymn just won’t leave your head. For Pastor Linda Reese it was “Won’t It Be Wonderful There?” and it became this Sunday message on September 7, 2025, about what’s waiting for God’s people.

Rewards for the faithful

Jesus said that when we’re insulted and persecuted for His sake, “great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12, KJV). The New Testament describes those rewards as crowns:

  • The crown of life for those who endure testing (James 1:12). When you’re in a trial, ask, “Lord, where’s my way of escape?” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
  • An imperishable crown for those who practice self-discipline (1 Corinthians 9:25), saying no to what pulls us from God and “I can and I will” to what He asks.
  • The crown of righteousness for all who long for Christ’s appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).
  • The crown of glory for those who faithfully serve God’s people (1 Peter 5:4).
  • The crown of rejoicing: the joy of the people we help lead to Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:19).

Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents, like the shepherd who finds the lost sheep and the woman who finds the lost coin (Luke 15:7-10). Everyone is precious to God.

What heaven will be like

“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain” (Revelation 21:4). Pastor Linda compared the Bible’s first and last pages. In Genesis, sin enters and paradise is lost. In Revelation, sin is banished, the curse is removed and paradise is regained, with the river of life and the tree of life whose leaves are for healing.

Until then

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Cast your cares on the Lord (Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7). The closer you get to God, the easier it is to trust Him with the rest.

Carrying something heavy right now? Let us pray with you.