From Ben – 8 August 2021

I have recently been reflecting on the subject of heaven. We all get so busy with the cut and thrust of life on earth that we tend to focus on this world and its growing set of demands, especially those of us with a busy family life.

Heaven, and our future home with the Lord, gets pushed right back to the margins of our lives. Yet heaven is mentioned at least 255 times in the N.T.   God, as we have seen in our study of the Lord’s Prayer, is called, “Our Father who is in heaven…” and Jesus clearly says that He came from heaven and has returned to heaven, and what is more, He is preparing heaven for all those who love and believe on Him. John 14:1-5.

Heaven is our future permanent dwelling place and, as far as the N.T. is concerned, should increasingly be the longing of our hearts. Note Col 3:2 “Set your mind on things above, not on earthy things” and Jesus goes on to say in Matt 6:19-20 “Do not store up treasures on earth where moths and rust destroy but lay up treasures in heaven”.

It is hard to conceive of heaven, as it will be so different to what we know on earth. The bible does however give us some clues of what it will be like; a father’s house, a beautiful city, a paradise, a kingdom, a place of exquisite beauty, a new creation, a place of harmony, rest and praise.

Rev 21:3-4 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Best of all, we will be with Jesus, and we will see Him face to face in all His glory. Is your name recorded in the Book of Life, heaven’s register?