"HEAVEN
I have chosen to speak about Heaven during these days because, one, I live with a personal hunger to see my Lord, but secondly, I feel a practical responsibility to teach the flock under my care the blessing, joy, and truth of Heaven and its glorious qualities, realizing that the glory of Heaven is superseded only by the presence of God the Father.
Some people look at Heaven as a glorified department store, filled with everything you've always wanted. The plus, they say, is it's all free and you can take as much as you want for as long as you want. I'm not interested in dashing to the floor the well-intended perceptions of well-meaning Christians, but I am committed to studying with you the blessings and benefits of Heaven as well as the rewards and responsibilities we'll share.
First let me say Heaven is a real place; it's not a fantasy or a dream (John 14:1-3). We know that in the Book of Revelation, John was having a difficult time describing the beauty, wonder, and magnitude of Heaven and what he saw there. Heaven is filled with unbelievable features. Let me name a few:
1. It's a place of unalterable access (I John 3:1,2) Jesus said, 'I am the Truth, the Way, and the Life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me.' Entrance into Heaven comes only by personal relationship with Jesus Christ the Lamb. John 1:29 leaves no doubt as to who the Lamb of God is; Jesus, who died for our sins (Revelation 5:8-13).
2. It's a place of undistracted worship (Revelation 19:1-6). There are times when, from a sincere and committed heart, I approach worship, only to discover that after a season or praise, my mind wanders and I feel the subtle invasion of thoughts of worry and concern. In Heaven there will be no trouble, worry, or fear; only the ever-present, adequate love of God... therefore, no distractions.
3. It's a place of unparalleled service (Revelation 1:6; 22:5) Your service and responsibility in Heaven will be in proportion to your faithfulness and service here. I'm not sure if the crown you receive will be a faster chariot or a bigger house, as much as it will be a greater privilege and capacity to serve God by greater degrees. Because the more you discover His saving grace, the more you'll desire to praise and serve His holy Name. And the harder you work, the more rest you'll experience.
4. It's a place of unceasing relationship (II Samuel 12:23) In Heaven, we'll be perfect. Imagine... perfect love, perfect joy, perfect peace, perfect harmony, perfect trust. No one will ever say or do anything wrong. Your kids will be perfect and so will you. Imagine... no spilled milk. This world is all passing away. Unfortunately golf, cars, and houses are all temporary. I may or may not meet you on the 16th fairway, but one thing I'm sure of: relationships are eternal. And in Heaven we'll not only know one another, but we will worship, serve, and rest in God's presence forever and ever.
Heaven is a wonderful place,
Ron Mehl"