From the everyday to the miraculous, we anticipate a lot of things in life. God made us that way, and more than anything, he wants us to anticipate heaven. Heaven gives us the needed perspective on how to live in a fallen world. It keeps us from putting all our eggs in one basket. It lets us know around the bend lies more than that relationship, that position, that failure, that success.
So what about heaven? Although “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him,” we are given much to anticipate.
Heaven assures us that death is not the end, but the beginning. It’s not, as one poet has described, “hitting the period and closing the book.” It’s discovering the book for the first time. Nothing impure or deceitful will find its way into heaven. No room there for hatred, jealousy and pride. Much of what has been esteemed on earth will be exposed like the Emperor who had no clothes.
God’s love permeates heaven like light streaming from the sun. His love will embrace us until every tear is dried and every lingering doubt about our significance has been answered. If there was a Heaven Daily Times it would have our arrival splashed in big bold letters announcing to all of heaven’s residents that we made it.
Heaven - go ahead. Anticipate it.
Father, thank you that we have so much more to anticipate than what the earth has to offer. Please expand our thoughts as well as our faith to look for what lies ahead. Amen.
Throughout the Day: Looking ahead to the new year and all that is exciting, take some time to reflect on the beauties of heaven and all that you have to look forward to with Christ.