This is the first in our new series, “Hearts Toward Heaven,” a contemplation on the hope of Heaven and what we know from Scripture about eternity in unity with our Lord.
The Appeals of Heaven
Heaven has always had so many appeals to me! …An eternity with Jesus, experiencing perfection, sinlessness, freedom from struggle, ultimate peace, and harmony.
But after the stillbirth of my third born daughter, my heart longed for heaven in brand new ways. It wasn’t as though the same things didn’t appeal to me, it was that I was looking at them from a different vantage point. From the new position, it was as if I could see more.
Instead of heaven feeling like something that was “over there” and “someday,” I saw it as something I had a personal stake in. Like part of my heart was there now.
I considered things about heaven that I would have never considered before facing such a major loss. Maybe you have experienced the same because you have loved ones there as well?
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
The verses above brought me so much comfort during my time of grief. To say my heart was troubled was an understatement. Shattered, broken, or ripped out would have been a better description. But as I read the passage above, Jesus’ words were like a sweet, soothing balm.
They still are.
Jesus promises a place with Him in eternity. And like King David (in the Old Testament) said of his child who passed away, “I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:23, NLT) So I know that Jesus’ promise of eternity is for those who believe in Him (me), yet also for my baby daughter who never had the opportunity to believe.
A Place Prepared: Not Yet… and Now
Because Jesus died for our sins and then rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, he makes “a place” for us. (John 14:2) It was this action that guarantees that any who believe in Him are promised eternal life. Ultimately, the place He makes isn’t just heaven (although that is part of it), but it’s also the “place” of restored and reconciled relationship with God. It’s Jesus (the Way) Himself. (John 14:6) (Read more about this HERE at the Gospel Coalition.)
The beauty of Jesus being the Way to that place is that we get a deposit on heaven right now in this life through the indwelling of Jesus’ Holy Spirit.
Yes, being reunited with loved ones who have already passed on to be with Jesus is a huge appeal of heaven. (The reality of this truth is intensely joyous for me!) But having Jesus now — in this life — gives great comfort and hope! It points our hearts toward heaven where we will experience Him completely unhindered by the enemy, the world, and the flesh… for all eternity!
There’s promise for the “not yet” and for the “now.”
How beautiful!
How does this passage point your heart toward heaven? Share in the comments.
Ali
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