The Beauty

“We may speak about a place where there are no tears, no death, no fear, no night; but those are just the benefits of Heaven. The beauty of Heaven is seeing God.“ (Max Lucado)

When I try to use my finite mind to picture my infinite eternal Home after I die, I can get a bit overwhelmed with all that might be there. How marvelous it will be to feel the all-encompassing embrace of my Heavenly Father, the breath-taking sights that will be both grand and glorious, and to be able to hug those I have longed to see for the so long.

Of course, there are some individuals that are not excited at the thought of Heaven possibly being a never-ending church service in the sky. Others believe we will all become angels who float around on clouds playing harps while we’re there. Neither of these options makes eternity sound appealing.

Thinking about Heaven has its benefits in our world today. First, it should make us live for things that are eternal. Second, Heaven should make us want to live for Christ instead of ourselves.  If you have ever wondered what your entrance into Heaven might be like, read the lyrics below to MercyMe’s song "I Can Only Imagine" to get a glimpse.

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When your face is before me
I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus,
Or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine when that day comes
And I find myself standing in the sun
I can only imagine when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus,
Or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus,
Or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine

 There are so many reasons to look forward to Heaven, Here are three of them.

1.   Our desire to be in our final destination will take place: There is a hunger with all creation for rest of Heaven. It’s a yearning for the coming day of ultimate deliverance. The redemption process unleashed at Calvary isn’t finished. This decaying world around us will be replaced at the end of time by a new Heaven and a new earth. We need permanence. We try to stuff temporal things in the empty space within us, but they don’t lessen our spiritual craving.

When you get to Heaven, that ache is going to vanish. When you e get to Heaven, everything you do will bring perfect satisfaction and lasting reward. When you get to Heaven, never again will you engage in anything that will leave you feeling empty. When you get to Heaven, you will be home finally.

2.   Our friendships will be more rewarding: There will be no misunderstandings among us. Our relationships will be healthier in Heaven than here on Earth. Here we have problems even with our closest friends. Someone says something to you, and you aren’t sure how to interpret it. You overreact.  In Heaven there will be none of that. Our relationships will be open, honest, interesting, loving, and uncomplicated by sin or our sinful natures.

We will dwell with God, the angels, and one another in perfect compatibility and refreshing intimacy. Imagine being best friends with people whom you’ve only read about in the Bible (or in books).  Heaven is going to be such an incredible time of unlimited fellowship with people who have lived in all ages.

3.   Our work will be more valuable: Many people don’t think of Heaven as a place of work, but rather as a place of rest. In Heaven, the two go together. I wouldn’t want to spend eternity with nothing to do for God made us to be productive. All of us will be serving in the fullest expression of the capacity God has given us, and the giftedness with which He has blessed us. We will discover new gifts, new interests, and new pursuits.

We will have new responsibilities and exercise positions of authority. Whatever we do in Heaven will have eternity stamped all over it. Would your attitude toward your work change today if you knew everything you did had an effect on eternity. It’s safe to say we won’t be bored in Heaven. Heaven is going to be the most exciting, adventure-filled place your mind can imagine (multiplied by trillions). 

 Next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leave you speechless, remain that way. Say nothing, and listen as Heaven whispers, "Do you like it? I did it just for you." (Max Lucado)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “Answers” by Billy Graham   

·        “What Will Heaven be Like?” by Dr. David Jeremiah