“…set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV84)
Not long ago, I taught about the reality of heaven. It reminded me how amazing heaven will be compared to this earth. We have such a blessing waiting for us. This truth hit home for me during a particularly powerful experience a few years ago.
I was at a Boy Scout camp near Yellowstone Park. We had to use a pretty nasty smelling outhouse during our week-long adventure. The odor wafting from the outhouse was really bad; you could hear distraught boys screaming dramatically as they opened the door. You can only imagine how glad I was to finally return home; I enjoyed the fresh, clean fragrance of my very own bathroom. What an overlooked joy.
Looking Forward to Heaven
My point is this — heaven will make life on this earth seem like a dirty outhouse. Indeed, there will be joy beyond our comprehension as we realize heaven is what we were made for. Equally important, it’s SO much better than life on earth. In fact, it says in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “…No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” Amen. Undeniably, heaven will be incredible.
I’ve thought a lot about leaving this earth to go to a place called paradise. It has given me a new perspective on what I have to look forward to. I’m excited about heaven, but not just because of what it will contain. I’m eager for what will be missing: tears, pain, loss, death, sickness and bad smells! I say, “Come, Lord Jesus.”
How about you? Are you looking forward to Heaven? Do you get excited thinking about spending time with Jesus and loved ones who are waiting for you? Have you caught yourself daydreaming about your eternal home? I know I have.
Do we have a glorious future, no matter how “smelly” things get on earth? Absolutely.
Turning my eyes (and nose) toward heaven,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor