A sign on a church marquis read “Interested in going to heaven? Apply here for flight training.” What is heaven like, anyway??
Well, it’s so incredible Jesus was willing to leave it, come to earth, in poverty and humility, be rejected and scorned and crucified so we could go there! It must be awesome
What is heaven? Well, we have Biblical “snapshots” of the place itself — and it’s incredible! As spectacular and awe-inspiring as the physical beauty of heaven will be, I believe the real essence and glory of it will be full, unhindered communion with God!
Let me see if I can explain what I mean. Can you recall ever being in a place where you felt safe, secure, and loved; a place where you just knew you were very special and accept- ed — and that would never change; a place where you felt important and confident?
That place, for me, was at the home of my grandparents, Dean and Thelma McCament. They lived in Temple City, CA. They had a neat place physically:
• a huge elm tree in the front yard — and other towering trees
• a ½-acre lot with fruit trees and blackberries in the back yard
• a huge greenhouse, swing set, playhouse built for my aunt Deanna
• an aviary with parakeets — and a fantail pigeon I donated!
• a “mysterious” workshop and shed out back — great for exploring!
• summer mornings I would awaken to the peaceful cooing of wild doves
As magic as all this was, the thing that made being there so unforgettable was that I felt loved, important, and safe when I was there. That I attribute to my grandparent’s faith in Christ. Jesus lived there! The thought never even crossed my mind that things would ever change — and they never did! In fact, after my grandfather retired in 1965, they moved to Corona, CA — and Jesus moved with them! There was the same presence in that home!
I believe that’s the essence of what heaven will be: There will be beauty for the eyes to behold; there will be many pleasurable things (unbelievable light shows and music and angelic choirs; rewards; being reunited with believing loved ones). But nothing will compare to the perfect communion we will have with our Father. No doubts, no pain, no fears. That’s heaven!
But you know, heaven begins here on earth. Jesus says, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28
If Jesus Christ is your Shepherd and you’re listening to what He says to do with your life and you’re following Him, then you can say with absolute confidence, “Surely I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
I will dwell, not might or hope to. Your confidence is based on what Jesus has promised and nothing else. It’s up to Him, not you. Heaven begins here on earth when we ask the Creator of heaven to be our Shepherd and Savior. The more we seek Him the more of Himself He reveals to us; the more we seek Him, the closer we get to that full communion with God that heaven is all about.
