The Road to Heaven

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone would
come after Me, he must deny himself and take up
his cross and follow Me." Matthew 16:24

The road to Heaven is not so pleasant, and comfortable,
and easy, and flowery—as many dream. It is not a bright,
sunny, flowery path. It is not paved with triumph—though
it is to end in victory. The termination is glory, honor, and
immortality; but on the way—there is the thorn in the flesh,
the sackcloth, and the cross. Recompense yonder—but labor
here! Rest yonder—but weariness here! Joy and security
yonder—but here endurance and watchfulness, the race,
the battle, the burden, and ofttimes the heavy heart.

♦(Horatius Bonar, "The Surety's Cross")

Taken from today's Grace Gems