“Jonathan Edwards, the great Puritan preacher, often spoke of Heaven. He said, “It becomes us to spend this life only as a journey toward heaven… to which we should subordinate all other concerns of life. Why should we labor for or set our hearts on anything else, but that which is our proper end and true happiness?” In his early twenties, Edwards composed a set of life resolutions. One read, “Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can.” …. Tragically, however, most people do not find their joy in Christ and Heaven. In fact, many people find no joy at all when they think of Heaven.” Heaven by Randy Alcorn Chapter 1
What do you think of when you think of Heaven? Do you find joy in pondering Heaven and being with Jesus? I find most American Christians have a very low view of Heaven. Why? Very few preach on the subject. Most think those that ponder Heaven are ‘too heavenly minded and no earthly good’. When in fact Jesus and the scriptures talk a lot about Heaven. We should too. Heaven is our real home. We will spend an incomprehensible more time in Heaven compared to this earth and this short earthly life. Shouldn’t we learn about what our real home is like?
Unfortunately, many people only feel sadness when they think of Heaven. Why? They’ve never really studied the scriptures about Heaven. If you have a low view of Heaven, I’d encourage you to read the scriptures about Heaven. And I’d also encourage you to read Randy Alcorn’s book Heaven. If you want to explore testimonies about those who have died and come back from Heaven then I’d suggest Randy Kay’s YouTube channel. There are many books and other media that share NDEs (near death experience), but one has to be careful and discerning about what you take in. Randy Kay has vetted everyone who he has on his channel. Randy Kay himself has a testimony of being in Heaven, and has written about it.
Why my interest in Heaven? Meeting Jesus. He has given me several experiences that has totally changed my view of reality. Heaven IS for real. Just like in the book Todd Burpo wrote about his 4 yr old son’s experience in Heaven (also now a movie). Ever since Jesus healed me in 1974, my interest in Heaven has skyrocketed. And every encounter with Him only stokes that fire of interest in me. It is a natural thing to want to know where one will be moving to.
Every human is mortal and will face physical death – save Jesus coming back. 100% chance of both of those. The question is … are you ready to go now? Does that thought and question bring you joy or anxiety? Be honest with yourself. Do you trust God to take care of your family better than you can? He is able. He is faithful. He is love.
The joy of Heaven comes from us trusting Jesus. Believing Jesus. Communing with Jesus. Listening to the Holy Spirit. And asking Him to show us what He has in store for us. I suggest we actually become ‘Heavenly minded’, knowing that what we will have there IS eternal! Be terminally committed to Christ here and now, knowing the ONLY life worth living is His life.
For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 2 Corinthians 4:11