What will heaven be like? I have been asked that question
many times. People have many ideas about heaven. For some there is the image of
angels, clouds, harps and a lot of white robes. For some, their image is
entwined with reunions with loved ones. Others envision scenes of idyllic nature.
John presents us with a picture of a city filled with the glory of God, where
gold is used like asphalt, and doors are made of enormous pearls.
What is the point of this picture?
The gold and jewels speak of how majestic and beautiful
God’s grace and glory are, and they show that he shares this glory with us his
people. The twelve gates with the names of the tribes of Israel and the twelve
foundations with the names of the Apostles show us that heaven is for all
believers of all time – from both the Old and New Testament.
Did you notice there was no temple there? The temple – or
church – is the place we go to meet with God. It will be unnecessary. God will
be right there. Our Lord Jesus will be physically present with us.
The gates are never shut because there will be no more
danger to us – no temptation, no sin, no enemies.
There is, however, a concerning word. We are told that
nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or
false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
In our culture people like to imagine that everyone goes
to heaven. That is just not the case. Jesus warned us to enter by the narrow
way and later said that he is the Way. Those who are written in his book are
those who believe in him and trust in him for forgiveness of their sins. We
thank God that our names are written in that blessed book, but the knowledge
that some names are not in there raises the urgency to share the Good News of
the Lamb’s death and resurrection, to introduce our neighbors to God who wants
to share his glory with them, and to shine the light of Jesus’ salvation in
their lives.
What do you think of when you imagine heaven? How might
this picture of heaven encourage you to share the message of God’s salvation with
others?
O God, you provided
us with a picture of the church with you in eternal glory. Thank you for the
beauty and promise that you reveal to us in the Revelation, and for the hope
that it gives us as we walk by faith in a fallen world. Please cleanse us of
all uncleanness. Remove from us anything that is detestable or false. Forgive
our sins, which would keep us out of the Lamb’s book of life. Keep us steadfast
in faith and help us to share the hope that is within us with our neighbors. In
the Lamb’s name, the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Comments