What images come to mind when you think of Heaven? Mansions, streets of gold, and, of course, Jesus. That’s what came to mind when I was told that my mother-in-law passed away. I pictured her walking the streets of gold to her mansion while holding onto Jesus’s arm. She had to use a walker the last time I saw her and now I know she can walk without assistance.
The pastor that conducted the gravesite service and the memorial focused on the eternal and spiritual realities of life. He requested an evening for the family to share memories of wife, mom, grandma, and cousin. He reminded us that it was okay to cry and to laugh, and sometimes, those feelings might come up when we least expect it.
As believers, we know that death is not the end of life but a transition to a better life. I used to think that if Heaven was such a better place, then why don’t we get there quicker? Why would I want to eat healthy foods, exercise to stay fit, or take terrible tasting medicine to get well when Heaven is a place of no pain, sickness, or death?
When I look at my husband, Scott, enduring another cancer treatment and its side-effects, I’m appreciative that he wants to fight to live for more time with his family and to fulfill the purpose that God called him to do. He is very competitive and wants to finish his race well.
Growing old is a part of life and a way of deepening our relationship with God, others, and ourselves. God is able to use us no matter our age or circumstance. Knowing that Heaven is such a great place, we need to spread the Good News of Jesus so more people will join us there.
Prayer
Almighty God in heaven,
Thank You so much for preparing a place for us to be with You forever. We don’t deserve such love and grace. Help us to live in such a way that our time here is not wasted. May Your Kingdom come and will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Verses
John 14:2 In my father’s house are many mansions
Revelation 21:21 The main street was pure gold
Acts 7:55 Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to Heaven and saw God’s glory and Jesus standing at the right side of God.
Revelations 21:4 There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain
Romans 6:23 The free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord
Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted
Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to cry and a time to laugh
Hebrews 11:16 It was a better country they longed for, the heavenly country
Isaiah 33:24 No one who lives in our land will ever again complain of being sick
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life you were called for, which you declared so well before many witnesses
Psalms 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity
2 Corinthians 4:16 We don’t give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day
Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive anyone who offends you. Forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you
Ephesians 2:10 We are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the message whether it is convenient or not
Mark 16:15 Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone.”
Song
“Homesick For Heaven” by Phil Wickham is a song that uses several of the verses used in this post as well as ideas mentioned.
Call To Action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then share a favorite verse or song about Heaven.