A Glimpse of Heaven

Monday 6 April
READ: Rev. 21:9-27
MORE LESSON: Rev. 20:12-15

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. Rev.21:10. This was part of the experience of John the beloved when he was thrown into the Isle of Patmos. He saw the New Jerusalem, the capital of the universe, moved to the planet earth from the planet Heaven to be among men forever. Several other men of old who had the privilege of seeing Heaven before their death did not write what they saw, but John the beloved did. Heaven is a place of eternal bliss where God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Holy Angels and just men who are dead on earth reside. The Bible makes us to understand that death, sorrow, pain, curse and wicked people will not be found in Heaven (Lk.20:26, Rev. 22:3-15, Matt. 25:46). But joy, rest, peace, righteousness, reward and glory are some of the things that obtain there (Lk.15:7-10, Rev.14:13, Lk.16:25, Matt. 5:11-12, Rom. 8:17-18).

Imagine you have to describe the taste of ice cream to people who have never eaten anything but pounded yam, how would you do it? I think one way you can try to do it is by comparing it to the best pounded yam ever eaten and the people’s mouth may salivate. But that comparism can’t prepare them for the rich, delicious taste of ice cream. How, then, can God describe Heaven to earthlings who have never tasted or seen heavenly reality? God can only do so by revealing it to some humans and use terms that are familiar with men like flowers, music, gold, crystal, glass.

Dearly beloved, Heaven is real and it is a place all believers should long to be. Genuine believers will not be afraid of going to Heaven because it is in their hearts already. But when you see believers who are scared to read about Heaven and are so afraid of death, then it is either they are ignorant or are not ready. Thank God for revealing Heaven to Apostle John. Whether you have that glimpse or not, John’s description is rich enough for all who truly believe the Bible to accept and long to be in God’s dwelling place called Heaven.

For those who believe the Bible about Heaven, making it to the place is a task that must be done, not even death should scare such people. Rather death must be seen as a mere transporter to Heaven, not an end. Beloved, do everything to make Heaven. First, be born again by accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Then live a righteous life.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God to take from you anything that can take Heaven from you.
* Pray that your name will not be missing in the Lamb’s book of life.
* Pray that you will begin to experience Heaven on earth.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
This new month, my expectation shall not be cut short, in the name of Jesus.