Heaven (1)
2020-12-01Psalm 16:11 NIV
For many of us, the thought of death can stir up fear in our hearts. But God has promised us a place with Him in heaven, and His Word tells us that it’ll be a place that’s better than any we could ever imagine.
Billy Graham’s daughter Anne wrote about a conversation she had with her mum which illustrates the difference between our world and the next: ‘I told her about my recent visit to Westminster Abbey, where kings and queens are crowned and royalty are married. The door for tourists that leads to the cathedral entrance is a dark, cramped space. Opposite is another door that opens into the magnificent, glorious, cavernous sanctuary of Westminster Abbey. The dimly lit narthex [a porch or entrance hall] is just a place to purchase your ticket and guidebook before transitioning to the cathedral. I can’t imagine anyone clutching a ticket or leafing through a guidebook being satisfied with staying in the [entrance hall]…We pick our ticket to heaven when we’re born again through faith in Jesus. And we familiarise ourselves with the “guidebook” to heaven – the Bible.’ She goes on to compare death to the process of moving from the dark entrance hall into the beautiful sanctuary.
The psalmist said: ‘You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.’ The Bible gives us glimpses of heaven, and time spent with God gives us an idea of the immense joy we’ll feel when we’re with Him in heaven. But we’re also on a journey with God now, so while we’re following His path, let’s share with others the glory and joy that’s waiting for them when they accept salvation and put their faith in Him.