October 2, 2006

John 14:2. “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. NASB

Do you ever take the time to wonder what Heaven is really like? Have you ever wondered what it will sound like, smell like, or look like? Sometimes I wonder what we will do up there all day, for all of eternity. I often think about certain details like, what we will eat, what will we wear, what music will we sing and play, or what our dwelling place will be like.

I know that most people do not spend too much time wondering about Heaven. To the average Christian the concept of an eternal heavenly home is far too remote from our daily lives to even give it a passing thought. But my friends, Heaven should not be some remote, obscure, or mystical concept. Heaven is a living, present reality and the blessed hope for all of us who trust in Christ. Heaven is a real place where we will dwell in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now allow me to take this idea of Heaven a step farther. As much as I am looking forward to my heavenly home, I believe that we can have a portion of that same glory here on the earth. I believe that the Church today should be a reflection of Heaven. I realize that I am comparing the natural realm to the spiritual realm, yet I still believe that this organism that we call “church” should be a reflection of Heaven.

When God’s people love Him and worship Him as we should, the Word of God declares that God comes and dwells among us in the praises of His people. When God arrives everything changes! When God is present in the house, His goodness, mercy, grace, blessing, healing, abundance, joy, power, and glory, is there for all to receive! When God is present in all His glory, the church becomes like a giant magnet drawing people into its warmth and light. When God is present, the people are healed and set free from addictions! When God is present marriages are restored! When God is present revival becomes a reality in the lives of God’s people!

I don’t know about you, but that sounds a lot like heaven to me. I believe that it is Christ’s desire for His church to be a little taste of heaven on earth. Our churches should be so full of the presence and glory of God that people can’t wait to get there and then once there, they don’t want to leave.

May the Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Floyd

© 2006 Floyd Steverson