The Greatest Thing This Side of Heaven

THE GREATEST THING THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN The greatest thing this side of heaven is not all the flowers that grow, Though they be so fragrant and pretty and colorful there in a row. The greatest thing this side of heaven is not all the songbirds that sing, Though they tell the ending of winter and the coming of warmth in the spring. The greatest thing this side of heaven is not the gold sun in the sky, Though its warmth and brightness is awesome as it shines above and so high. The greatest thing this side of heaven is not a great song we could hear, Though the melody may be refreshing and its words that will enter our ear. The greatest thing this side of heaven came down from that place long ago And was born in a worst side of heaven—a manger, a stable so low. The greatest thing this side of heaven was what this man offered for free: A pardon from sin’s condemnation—His grace in believers to be. It’s grace for the vilest offender, the one who’s gone deepest in sin, If he will just simply accept it and let this great Savior come in. It’s grace for the young Christian’s battles to keep him through doubt and despair, For His grace is made perfect in weakness and will guard him and keep him right there. It’s grace for the wandering backslider who made the wrong choice, is astray, For grace will reach out to restore him when he comes back home from that way. It’s grace for the suffering Christian, whatever his trial may be, For Jesus will never forsake him, His presence for eternity. Yes, the greatest thing this side of heaven is a gift that no else can replace: It comes from the Father in heaven; it’s the gift of His marvelous grace! --Based on a sermon preached by Dr. Tracy Fowler, Heritage Baptist Church, October, 2015