Longing For Heaven
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. Matthew 5:11-12 (New Living Translation, NLT) emphasis mine
There’s an old gospel song that says, “Just see the bright light shine. It′s just about home time. I can see my Father standing at the door. This world's been a wilderness. I′m ready for deliverance. I’ve never been this homesick before.” I must admit, there are days when these words apply to me. And I’m sure there are times when they apply to every believer. Days can seem long in the midst of persecution and the drudgery of daily life. As we live out our days on this earth, we look forward to the perfect life that is ahead of us in Heaven. It’s not escapism to long for a place where there is no night, no pain, and no sin. It is the blessed hope we have that keeps us going and keeps us pressing on for the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
We imagine what it is like to walk and even run, on streets of pure, transparent gold. We can see ourselves smelling the flowers that never fade and never die. We wonder what our mansions look like and what the Marriage Supper of the Lamb will be like. And, of course, we envision ourselves welcomed and surrounded by our friends and loved ones who went on before us. We look forward to that reunion with great anticipation.
Think of how it will be to talk with Abraham, Noah, and Moses. We can find out from Jonah what it was like inside the belly of the whale. Peter, Paul, James, John, and other early church pioneers can tell us about the days of the infant church. We can visit with the prophets and the godly kings of Israel and Judah. How fun it will be to praise and dance with David, to learn about Lazarus’ four days in the tomb, and to get firsthand information from Mary about what it was like bringing up the Son of God. And we can share with them our own firsthand experiences with God and the part we played in His plan.
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. II Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV)
The best thing about Heaven is the fact that Jesus is there. Seeing Him face-to-face, throwing our arms around His neck, and burying our faces in His chest in gratitude and adoration is something we long to do. To be with the Author of life and of love, held in His arms and comforted forevermore is the believer’s greatest desire. We’ll get to spend endless days walking and talking with Him. What joy to be in His presence for all eternity!
Heaven is looking better and better to me all the time, but I know that what is accomplished for God in this world is important. While we long for Heaven, we must determine to fulfill our call and assignment in this life. Yes, we are so looking forward to leaving this fallen world to be with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever and ever. However, we must use the hope of Heaven as our motivation to do what God has called us to do on earth. God has important and rewarding things for us to do here and now.
We’re longing for Heaven, but we’re living right now in the joy that comes from knowing that Heaven is in our future.
