Going to School to God.

And these are sitting on _thrones_. When Jesus was teaching His
disciples, in the dark days of bitter opposition He wooed them with
this: "Ye shall sit upon twelve thrones."[92] And a bit later as they
sat round the supper table on the night of His betrayal, when things are
getting to the darkest, again He woos them: "Ye may eat and drink at my
table in my Kingdom; and ye shall sit on thrones."[93] He that
overcometh is assured of sitting with Christ on His throne.[94]

All the redeemed ones of earth are to have part with Christ in the
coming Kingdom time. They reign with Him.[95] During this present time
the countless hosts of angels have a part in ministering to man on the
earth.[96] Even so during the Kingdom time to come the countless hosts
of the redeemed will have the sweet privilege of service with Christ and
on behalf of those on the earth. And it is quite possible that they
already have a part in such a ministry.

A little farther in the description it is seen that these elders have
"each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the
prayers of the saints." Heaven is a place of wonderful music. Its very
atmosphere must be tuned to the rarest rhythmic harmonies. And each one
has part in the music being made.

And yet more, they are continuing the sweet ministry of intercession
learned down on earth. This means that they are in touch with earth.
They know the needs of loved ones and of all, and they have the
privilege of fellowship in this with Him who ever liveth to make
intercession.

And there is one other thing we know here at once without being told. If
a friend tells me that he has a rose garden under the care of a skilled
gardener, I know without being told that the roses are growing. I at
once look through my friend's words and see bushes full of roses of all
colours, some full blown, some half blown, some bursting buds, and some
just budding. For there is a garden, and a gardener, and sun and rain
and dew. I know there must be growth and beauty.

Even so we know that the loved ones who have parted from us, are
growing. They are in the Father's presence, in intimate fellowship. That
tells me of their growth. That little one who slipped away so young,
years ago, has been growing in mental powers, in character as well as in
what down here we call stature, and growing most of all in love. And so
at the meeting time, in the air or up there, there will be instant