When We All Get To Heaven
When We All Get To Heaven
2 Corinthians 5:6-8
I’ve been thinking lately about the death of a Christian. Paul wrote “to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). But, what will it be like when a saint gets to heaven? Much of what we believe about this subject is based on our emotional sentiments and not on “what saith the Scripture.” God has wisely left much about what eternity holds for a believer secret (1 Cor. 2:9; 2 Cor. 12:1-4; Dt. 29:29; Acts 1:7).
Recently I counseled a widow whose husband of 50 years preceded her in death. She was now praying for God to take her to heaven so she could be reunited with her deceased husband. She even contemplated taking her own life to be with her departed husband. Understandable, but so sad.
Jesus was asked about a widow who was married to seven different husbands (Matthew 22:24-27). Since she had seven husbands, who would be her husband in heaven? Jesus said their question revealed their ignorance of the Scriptures (Mt. 22:29). There is no marriage after death (Mt. 22:30).
I have loved ones in heaven myself and I look forward to seeing them again someday (1 Thess. 4:13-14). However, the One I long to see most is the Lord Jesus Christ who died for me (Titus 2:13-14). After all, He is the reason any of us will be there.
Fanny Crosby wrote in “My Savior First of All—
Through the gates to the city in a robe of spotless white,
He will lead me where no tears will ever fall;
In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight;
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.
If I go to heaven before you, let me tell you where you can find me.
Don’t look ’neath the gates of pearl;
Don’t look on the streets of gold;
Don’t look by the walls of jasper;
Nor among the many sites untold.
For I’ve been longing and I’ve been waiting,
For the precious holy One to see.
There I’ll be through the countless ages,
Look for me at Jesus’ feet.
—“Look For Me At Jesus’ Feet!” by Squire Parsons
Although we will know each other in heaven (1 Cor. 13:12), the main focus in heaven is the Lord Jesus Christ (read Revelation 4 and 5). One the song writer put it this way…
And when at last we see the face of Jesus
Before whose image other loves all flee
And when they crown him Lord of All, I’ll be there
This is just what heaven means to me!
Let’s rejoice if we have loved ones in heaven. Amen! But remember, our departed loved ones will all be joining us at Jesus’ feet as we worship Him together. Heaven is all about Jesus and worshipping Him!
