It is for good reason that the Bible frequently reminds us that we
are
"strangers and pilgrims on the earth." The genuine believer holds
citizenship in Heaven (Philippians 3:20), and sets his affections on
things
above. Though we are in this world, we are not of this
world.
Our relationship to this world is that of an ambassador. We represent
Christ
to the best of our ability while anxiously "looking for that blessed
hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus
Christ."
Longing for Heaven will never make a believer of "no earthly good."
To the contrary, the Heavenly minded believer is a better citizen of
his
earthly nation and a better person over all. I think a major reason
Christians
have such small impact today is that many of us have settled down in
the
world. We think too much of our temporary home on earth, and not
enough about our eternal home in Heaven. But, oh, what a home it is!
Some dismiss Heaven as being only on earth. Others, such as one
professor
at Grand Rapids Baptist College, limit Heaven to the believer's
relationship
with God while assigning the golden streets, gates of pearl and other
Bible
descriptions as mere metaphors. Thank God for the words of our Lord
Jesus!
"I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself;
that
where I am, there ye may be also." Heaven is a place,
not an idea. Though there is relationship in Heaven, Heaven is a place
not a relationship. And, oh what a glorious destiny it is for the true
child of God!
Because of Heaven, death holds no terror for the Christian. Though
we
may fear the pain of death, we do not fear death. Though we sorrow over
death, we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. For the believer,
death
is but the door to home. That which strikes dread in the hearts of many
holds no such power over the believer. But even now, we do not look for
death to take us home. We look for Christ to call us "in a moment,
in the twinkling of an eye." Two doors lead to our eternal home: the
door of death and the door of Christ's coming.
Life at its longest is brief. James asks, "For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." Moses said our days are as a tale that is told. Life is short, but Heaven is forever. It is not just forever, it is joyous forever. What a picture Revelation 21:4 paints for us. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." But the greatest glory of our eternal home is that we will be with Christ. "And so shall we ever be with the Lord." There are friends and loved ones in Heaven I want to see. I plan to visit with Moses, Joseph, Enoch, Elijah, David, Paul and a host of others. But how we long for a glimpse of Christ! To see the One who gave Himself to redeem me will be the greatest thrill of all. Do you know you are Heaven bound?