Not too long go I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises that I’ve seen in a very long time. It was one of those fiery orange-red sunrises that reflects on clouds making them ten shades of orange and even the river was reflecting orange with beautiful violet-blue layers surrounding it.
I walked out on my deck and took several photos of it, but the photos don’t do it justice.
I began thinking of a buddy that loves to watch the sun come up who is getting towards the end of his journey here on earth. I began thinking it was a shame that there would be no sunrises or sunsets in heaven for him to enjoy, and then I shook my head in disbelief. Did I just say such a stupid asinine thing? I was glad that I was talking to myself so no one else would overhear such an ignorant remark.
It is true that there will be no sunrise or sunset in heaven because there is no night in heaven – Revelation 21:23 And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory. Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there. What is stupid about my statement is that somehow, we would miss something wonderful found on earth when we arrive in heaven.
Everyone wants to know about heaven and everyone wants to go there. Recent polls suggest that nearly 80% of all Americans believe there is a place called heaven. I find that statistic encouraging because it tells me that even in this skeptical age there is something deep inside the human heart that cries out, there’s got to be something more.
I’ve been fortunate to have witnessed some of the most breathtaking views on earth. From the glorious south Pacific Islands, to the snowy Rocky Mountains, the rainforests in Australia, jungles of central America with its brightly colored parrots and creatures, glaciers in Canada and Alaska, the endless deserts of the west where billions of stars and meteor showers are available for viewing each night, and the amazing continent of India. God’s creation is awe-inspiring. But there is a future place – an eternal dwelling – that far exceeds anything we could ever behold.
Heaven is not a mythical place. It is the holy dwelling place of the Lord Most High. It is where God lives. Think about that one for a moment won’t you. He designed it and built it as His home – His personal residence. All of the beautiful sights you have ever experienced were created by God, Surely, He has designed His personal residence as no other place in all of creation.
And although we cannot even begin to comprehend its splendor and beauty, the Bible gives us stunning descriptions of the place in which those who have received Jesus will spend eternity. It is a place comprised of many mansions, innumerable angels, a great multitude standing before the throne of Jesus clothed in white robes praising God. And Jesus will dwell among us and we shall neither hunger nor thirst anymore; and the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd us and lead us to living fountains of waters. And God will “wipe away every tear from our eyes.” Every treasure man holds valuable will pale in comparison to the magnificent city of heaven. “The twelve gates contain twelve pearls and each individual gate is of one pearl. And the streets of the city are pure gold, like transparent glass. Precious stones will lavishly adorn the walls.
In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, is the tree of life, which bears twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” In a world that is riddled with sickness and disease, the description of the tree of life in Revelation 22 is a beautiful reminder that there will be no more suffering or pain in heaven. The healing leaves of the tree will be continuously available in abundance and will heal the nations once and for all. There will be no more searching for the cures of diseases known to man. Every ailment will be remedied by the tree of Life.
Hmmm . . . I’m ready for heaven and I don’t mean maybe. I love this promise in Revelation 22:20 – He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! There is still work to do here and now, but no Christian should ever dread a promotion like we will enjoy.
Revelation 2:7
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”
And go to church this Sunday!