Do I Believe in Heaven?

Over the last week or so, there have been a number of circumstances that have weighed me down. First, I've been following a story on the internet of a young 12 year old girl who has been struggling with neuroblastoma, the same cancer that took young Emily, Brent's former roomate in the hospital. Her family and friends have been praying for intensely for her. I read that she took a turn for the worse and is on her deathbed. Next, a coworker became suddenly ill and we had been on the edge of our seats, praying for his recovery. I am happy to say he is now on the road to recovery. Third, Susan's aunt Bea was down from Alaska getting treated for Parkinson's. The disease has ravaged her physically and it is heart-breaking to see it.


In all these cases, I have felt the burden as I've struggled in prayer for God's intervention. And will continue to. However, I have started to question myself. If I truly believe in heaven and that Jesus offers eternal life to all who believe, why should I be so distraught if one of his sheep enter into death? Why should I be so worried about my life? Did not the apostle Paul say that to depart and be with Christ is better by far than remaining here (Philippians 1:21-23)?

Imagine living in the most beautiful region of the world with the grandest home and the most awesome surroundings. Imagine your life full of peace and well-being and being around those you love and who love you. Now suppose you went out a trip to a far, far away land. There you found yourself in a turbulent environment filled with hardship and turmoil. However, you took comfort knowing that it was only temporary and you would be going home soon. Would you not look forward and rejoice at the thought of going home?

Why, then, do we so often live this life as though it were the only life? Why is our minds and hearts far from our heavenly home? Should not our attitude be one of expectancy and longing for our eternal dwelling? After all, our Lord has promised us, his people, to share in his heavenly glory. We will be perfected and delivered from pain and tears and live in the light of his presence with great eternal happiness.

Imagine how the world would be impacted if believers lived this way; how much courage we would exhibit to do what is right and good; how we would shun the ways of the world and live an uncompromising life for eternity.

King of kings

Revelation 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

The vision of this passage of Scripture is one that so inspires me. Sometimes it seems to me that the spirit of this world that is at work in the nations is so strong and relentless in its opposition to the Lord Jesus. It seems that the spiritual war against the saints is prevailing and that the forces against the gospel of Christ are like a flood ready to consume it. I know that though Jesus was humiliated and crucified by this spirit, he rose again from the dead and was crown with all glory, honor and authority. When I am tempted to think 'where is the victory of Christ?' this verse reminds me of the spectactular and glorious victory that the Lord will bring about.

He will come in great power and glory and with all authority crowning his head he will bring justice to the nations. He will strike down all the enemies that oppose his rule of righteousness and love and will rule over them with unrelenting power and strength. All the rulers of the world who boast against him with be humbled and put to shame. And all those who hope in Him with share in His glory and reign with him forever.

He is crowned with glory

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