Warren Beatty once based his directing debut on the screenplay by Harry Segall called “Heaven Can Wait.” The comedy was based on a mistake: Beatty’s character was mistakenly sent to Heaven in place of someone else. The year was 1978, but I suppose not much has changed. The entertainment world still cannot grasp the reality of Heaven. Craig Campbell joins the chorus of this misplaced thought. His song, “Outskirts of Heaven” asks for a place outside of Heaven. For some reason he thinks that a country setting would be just as good as a mansion within the heavenly realm. The saga continues with a host of writers/singers who cannot see the wonder of what shall be. Ultimately, it is both foolish and fleshly to compare any earthly pleasure with the wonder of Heaven.
Paul wrote: 1 Corinthians 2:9 “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
John gave us a glimpse: Revelation 21:21 “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.”
Heaven transcends all that we have ever known. All fear and doubt will be gone. Every tear shall be wiped away and there shall be joy forevermore. The Lord has promised it. Heaven cannot be captured by a filmmaker regardless of their talent. Songwriters far and wide have struggled to depict the depth of its glory. Even among the great painters of centuries past, none have framed the beauty of such perfect peace.
To consider that place is beyond the telling. However, this is what we are living for; to make Heaven our Home! We are not living this life to make money or reach some status. We are the Bride of Christ and one day we shall sing around the Throne. This life is temporal, but that life is eternal. Heaven, the City where the Lamb is the Light, is where I am longing to be.
Jesus gave us this promise. These are the propelling words for every believer for all of eternity. John 14:2-3 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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole