The Hope of Heaven

I Peter 1:4
An inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away is reserved in heaven for you.

Psalm 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

The promises of Heaven are glorious! The pearly gates, streets of gold, no heartache, no crying, no sickness, no dying . . . Knowing all this gives me great hope for the future, but trying to imagine what Heaven will really be like is far beyond my human capability. What will my new body be like? Will I really know my loved ones? What will it be like to live forever? Will it ever get boring? What will dying in this world be like? My limited understanding and the fear of the unknown sometimes cloud my hope and joy and turn them into fear and dread, but the following story puts it all into proper perspective.

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."

Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing. I know my Master is there and that is enough."*

What will Heaven really be like? Christ, my Master will be there, and that is all I really need to know. That is the hope of Heaven. So now I can say, "O death where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" The Master is waiting for me!

Beloved Savior, thank You for the promise of Your presence that gives hope for the future and strength for today.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2006

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