[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during February 2022]
In a recent session of ‘Going Deeper’, three church leaders concluded their conversation by discussing their perceptions of heaven. The prospect of spending eternity in a perpetual prayer and praise meeting did not seem to be as inviting as perhaps it ought to be.[1]
We all have our perceptions of what we would want heaven to be like. Some of us might like to think of heaven like a well-prepared golf course where even the wildest hook would land the ball an easy putt from the hole. Other might prefer something more challenging, looking for a mountain to climb or a marathon to run. Those who enjoy diagnosing and resolving problems might regret the absence of machines to repair, software to debug or even injuries to heal.
Jesus trained as a carpenter; perhaps there could be a woodshop where the tools are always sharp, the timber is straight-grained and there is no sawdust to sweep up. Jesus also enjoyed good meals. Surely a taste of heaven would be to have a kitchen with fresh ingredients readily to hand, implements that did what they were supposed to and no cleaning up required.
Whatever our personal preferences, whilst we remain here we can only image what heaven will be like.
In 1999 Bart Millard wrote a song entitled “I Can Only Imagine”. Like the best stories and songs – and prayers – his words were influenced by a degree of personal experience. Millard had been mistreated in his younger years but became reconciled to his father, who became a God-fearing man prior to his death. The lyrics of the song explore the range of reactions that might be the response of someone meeting Jesus face to face for the first time.[2]
Will we dance with delight or be rendered immobile with awe? Will we stand and gaze at his glory or fall to our knees? Will we burst into songs of praise or be struck dumb?
I first encountered this song during the preparations for my father’s funeral, when his grandchildren wanted to sing it during the service of thanksgiving. My initial reaction was that a pop song released by a rock band was not what he would have chosen. However, as I became more acquainted with the words I recognised that the song was expressing sentiments that he, and we, could identify with.
Are our expectations of heaven realistic? Surely, by reason of them being the fruit of our imaginations, they must be inadequate. John, the writer of the book of Revelation, received a special vision of heaven but what he saw exceeded the limitations of language to describe. Despite this, one feature is apparent; there will be plenty of praise and worship, and we will be enthusiastic about it!
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2 v9 [NKJV]
Can you imagine what you might be missing?
[1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWhmt3qJ73Q?t=2300
[2]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xwzItqYmII
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
Thanks Steve