A Glimpse into Heaven

TIME OUT FOR GOD
By Danna Appleby

A Glimpse Into Heaven

“. . . No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Cor. 2:9 (NIV)

Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about heaven. After all, heaven is my home, my citizenship is there and I’m just passing through this world. (Phil. 3:20) I’ve got my mind made up and I’m not turning back now. People can say what they want about me, but I’m heaven bound! How about you?

I’m looking forward to going home because I remember specifically a promise Jesus made:

“In my Father’s House are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

(John 14:2-4 NKJV)

You see I’ve got some friends and loved ones there and I know they’re awaiting my homecoming. Some of my precious loved ones, such as my father, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and our most recent loss, our little Kiana Appleby, are there basking in the very Presence of Almighty God.

Several weeks ago when I thought about writing this message, I contacted my Dad’s brother, Horace Mauldin, because I knew that over a period of years he had written a number of songs about heaven. I asked him what had been his inspiration and he wrote back explaining in detail what had inspired him with each song. I loved what he had to say and felt like I had hit a goldmine!

One song was about my great aunt, Rev. Myrtle Whitehead, who diligently preached the gospel for many years. In her last days she suffered with a terminal illness and lay dying. About 30 minutes before she passed, she lifted up her hands with a lovely smile on her face and said, “Oh, what a beautiful place!” My uncle said that it was at that time that he was inspired to write the song, “Swing Wide the Gates.” Some of the words are: “Swing wide the gates, I’m coming home. I’ve fought a good fight. I’ve kept the faith. Amazing grace has won the race.”

With this vision of heaven that my great aunt saw, my mind races in wonderment. Just to get a glimpse of that beautiful white city will be so wonderful, but I may have to wait a little while longer. While I’m waiting, I might as well work for God all I can because the clock is ticking and about to strike midnight!

The book of Revelation reveals many great things that John saw in his visions and it leaves me longing to see heaven. He saw a pure river proceeding from the Throne of God and of the Lamb, fruit trees that lined the river, walls of jasper, gates of pearl and a city made of pure gold. (See Rev. 21 and 22)

It’s a place where there will be no more night because God will supply its light. It’s a place where there will be no sorrow or pain, but constant happiness and peace. There will be no more tears, no sad goodbyes or mourning for departed loved ones, because God will wipe away every tear. (Rev. 21) Our bodies will no longer age because we will get a glorified body to take its place. (Phil. 3:21) Joy will be known like nothing we’ve ever experienced here in this life.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4 NKJV)

But you know before I take a look at the beauty of heaven, I just want to see Jesus. There is nothing there that could possibly compare to Him. I want to see Him and look full into His wonderful face, see His nail scarred hands and feet and tell Him thanks for all He’s done for me. I’ll join with the royal number and fall down before Him singing, “Holy, holy, holy.”

I want to see the throne of our Heavenly Father that I’ve longed to see for so many years. I want to see the One who listened and cared about my every problem and challenge. I want to see the very One who answered my prayers and took care of me like no one else could.

There is no price tag for entering into heaven for you and me other than giving our hearts to God. He has already paid the price at Calvary. But . . . we must be born again and be an overcomer to get there! It’s a great exchange for us. You see, we give Him our old hearts and He then in turn gives us a new one and guarantees eternal life and we inherit all things. The tribulations we’ve endured, the rocky road we’ve walked, crosses we’ve bore, deep waters we’ve crossed and tears we’ve shed will be worth it all when we see Jesus.

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be my son.” (Rev. 21:7 NKJV)

There are those who might think that getting into heaven is something that can be attained by being a church member or doing good deeds. But Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) All of us must ask Him to cleanse and purify us with His precious Blood.

I encourage you to continue holding on to the Savior’s hand to the very end. He will pull you out of every trying circumstance. Continue praying and asking the Lord to help you because He will. He is the God of the possible, not the impossible. He knows your every care and He longs to help you. In fact, He thinks enough of you to want to spend eternity with you. Jesus has promised us that we will see God.

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. (Matt. 5:8 NKJV)

Prayer:

Father, I come to You thanking You for all You have done for us. You have been so faithful, kind and loving. Where would we be without You? I cannot thank You enough for Your goodness. Lord, there may be someone today who has some great needs and also needs You in a very special way, but You are faithful and I ask You to help them. There may be those who are not on their way to heaven and I pray for those especially. Comfort those to realize that You are loving and long for them to come to You. You are the Comforting God who loves us so dearly. Give those dear ones peace and assurance that You open Your arms to them. Thank You Lord for Your saving grace and for Your open arms of mercy. Father thank You for the mercy seat that is awaiting them today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.