“So it was that the beggar (Lazarus) died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” Luke‬ ‭16:22-24‬.

     Since the death and resurrection of Christ, all the saved who depart from their body go directly to paradise, which, in Luke above, is referred to by Jesus as “Abraham's bosom”. The wonderful realm of Abraham’s bosom conveys a remarkable posture of great comfort, and of a deep and lasting rest. Which, for many — and fittingly so, when compared with the travails of this earthly life — is a true and veritable paradise.

     But even so, there is coming a time, and is coming soon, that for those who, like John, being all those who, in this life, have genuinely inclined themselves upon the lap of Jesus — being the good thing that Mary chose which shall not be taken from her, being that choice place of deep paternal nurturing — and who lean the fullness of their hearts deeply into the bosom of Jesus, a time is coming and coming soon where a company of the first born among many brothers and sisters shall enter not just the comfort of rest, but the fullness of life, and life abundantly. Romans 8:29. Being the better wine of the better bosom of Jesus, being a place far sweeter than the milk and honey of Abraham’s bosom.

     Since paradise is only the “first heaven” from the perspective of those who leave the earth sphere, it is not the “inner realm” of the Most High God. Just like the tabernacle of God has an outer court, an inner court and the Holy of Holies, paradise is the “outer court” of the heavenly tabernacle of God. The full entrance to the lost estate of fallen man does not come available until the redemption of the physical body that provides full entrance into the Kingdom of God prepared for those who love the Lord. Which is that time that is coming soon “when the perishable shall be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.” 1 Corinthians 15:54. The inner realms of the heavens cannot be appropriated, except by those who enter into the ultimate state of redemption, such as unto the glorification of the body of flesh, until it is fash­ioned like unto Christ's glorious body. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21.

     Therefore hasten, not just to Abraham’s bosom, but unto the bosom of our Lord and Saviour. And, like Mary and John, let nothing deter us from clinging solely to Him in this day.

     May the LORD our God cleave us unto His bosom and His Spirit! May we never forsake the sanctity and sanctuary of His bosom and His habitation. May we never fall away by the desires of the flesh or the attacks of those seeking to stir our flesh to open unholy doors. But let us remain one with the Son, in both His divine nature and His eternal power, just as He is one with the Father!

     Lead us completely out of Egypt, LORD! Let there be no trace of Babylon or Egypt in our thoughts, or our ways, or our hearts, or our blood, or our soul. Be exalted in us for today and forever more. Fill every space in us with You! And You alone!

     Perform open heart surgery on all Your sons and daughters today, LORD, upon all Your own, that we may all be found complete and whole in You, having had our hearts circumcised of all that is the world and the seed of its rot and corruption, having been fully renewed, restored, redeemed, resurrected, repaired, and re-constituted in the power and grace of the great I AM!

     Let all the ways of the old man be cut away, and may we be totally Yours, inside and out. Close the spiritual fissures we have opened in the unseen parts of our hearts and souls, and seal us with Your will, Your purposes, Your way, Your truth, Your life, Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your divine nature and eternal power. Being Your invisible attributes. Let us not be found wanting on the great day of Your return. But be found ready and waiting for the great I AM to take His rightful place and throne in our hearts and in all of the earth.

     This we ask and pray and thank You for, Father God, in Jesus’ hallowed and holy and high name, amen and amen.