COLOSSIANS 1:5

“because of the hope reserved for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel” 

My dad was a storer. What does that mean? That means he didn’t throw anything away. He always said, “I might need that one day.” Every extra screw, bolt, nut, tool in his workroom testified to that when he died. The sad thing was he had to leave it all behind. None of those earthly things were needed in heaven. Storing worldly possessions doesn’t really matter, in the long run.

Paul tells his audience to remember the hope that is stored up for them in heaven. What a glorious thought. The Greek word for “reserved” is apokeimai. Strong’s Lexicon says this about this word.  It “conveys the idea of something being set aside or reserved for future use. It often implies a sense of security or assurance that what is laid up will be available when needed. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe treasures or rewards that are stored up for believers in heaven.” Don’t you just love that?

APPLICATION

This word is only used four times in the New Testament. Let’s take a look at a couple of other uses. In 2 Timothy 4:8 we read, “in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” That crown of righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord stored it up for us. He’s watching it. What a promise!

In Hebrews 9:27, the writer says, “And just as it is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment,” It has been said that there are two absolutes in the world – death and taxes. Death is assured. We will all die, unless Christ returns before you die. Your death is “stored” up and waiting on you. Are you ready? I am. I am not planning on going any time soon, but if death comes ringing my door, I will gladly open it.

Listen, there are some things that are promised to you by God. And if God makes a promise, you can be sure it will happen. God does not make empty promises. Paul tells the believers that there is hope stored up for them in heaven. Do you have that hope? I pray you do. It is only accessible through Jesus. Come to Him.

O Lord, thank You for watching over all those things You have promised me.