Billy Graham, the greatest evangelist America has ever produced, passed away last evening. His ministry focused nearly exclusively in revealing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its simplest form. He wanted people to spend eternity with God in Heaven. He was ninety-nine years old – that is a very long time to live on earth. Younger people do not often think of Heaven. Smiling, I try to presumptuously wedge myself one last time into the category of “younger people”, recognizing that I am likely no longer qualified at age 47. When I think of Heaven as a place, I encounter that impractical, hard to define, enigmatic concept of the geography of eternity that can feel a little awkward and overwhelming. I’ve been asked more than once where exactly Heaven is located. Is it within our universe? Are there boundaries to Heaven? Is it more of a mystical realm or a physically existing place? Theologically I would have to say that Heaven does not exist in our universe because, if God’s eternal abode was Heaven, then He and His angels were there before the universe existed. Usually I tell people what I write this morning: I don’t know the direction of Heaven but I do know its Delight. Preacher’s cop-out? Maybe. Honest answer? Certainly. Sufficient to satisfy the curious? I doubt it.
Revelation 21:1-8 – “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”
Today I am thinking about three friends of mine who have left earth and gone to God before me. All three men were solid believers in Jesus Christ. I loved each one of them and knew them in varying degrees but they enriched my life at different times. I hope my own life served as a blessing to them along the way. They were important men because God had placed His own seal on them and gave His Son for them. He made them aware of their need of His forgiveness and then poured it upon them when they asked and trusted to receive. They are with their King today, and I find myself moved by the incessantly intruding reminder that there is a greater realm of existence awaiting us all. There’s another place after this one. I rarely pause to give silent contemplation about Heaven, but I’m drawn to the curiosity this morning because, the older I get, the more Heaven is populated with people I knew while they were with me here. My precious mother in law is there. So many whom I have pastored are rejoicing in that beautiful realm right now. Billy Graham entered sometime last night and has received the fullness of his inheritance.
Here are some thoughts I had about those who have arrived into the climax of their hope. When each of them died, a new dawn swallowed them up, and unspeakable, immeasurable bliss has become their everlasting reality:
Each left time and entered into eternity
Each left a world of toil and entered a world of rest
Each vacated a body of weakness and received a body of glory
Each departed from dimness and arrived in light
Each exchanged a walk of faith for a reward of sight
Each was taken from those he loved on earth and reunited with those he loves in Heaven
Each of their groans of sadness and pain are now replaced with shouts of ecstasy and delight
Each of their tears from life’s difficulties are now supplanted by smiles of Heaven’s bliss
For them, all of life’s mysteries have given way to all of Eternity’s answers
They have breathed the air of Heaven
They have all seen the face of Jesus
They have beheld those mysterious creatures called angels and have heard their songs
Each has beheld the throne of God
Each has received the fullness of his unfathomable inheritance in Christ
Their lifelong thirsts have been satisfied forever
They are today perfected and are for eternity. They are exactly as they were ever meant to be
They will be there to welcome us when we arrive
I still do not know the direction of Heaven. The real thought knocking at my heart’s door this morning is the remembrance that Heaven is not desirable because of its geography. We want Heaven because of its King. Heaven is all about Jesus and that is why we want to arrive there some day. He has made that possible for you and me. Heaven’s King hung on a cross with His arms spread open in a posture of eternal embrace. Run to His arms today. Acknowledge Him as Lord. You will be with Him forever, and you will never regret that you said Yes to His question, “Will you come to Me?”
This really encouraged me. I just wish I could explain, remember, and tell others like you did.
Jeff, all of my 65 years of my life I’ve heard so many times that Jesus died on the Cross for me. And the best part of what was said is that if we believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again and except him as our Lord and Savior we will eternity with him in Heaven.
How great is the joy to know that when we leave this world, oh what a great reunion that would be just to be with our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ wow.
I’m really looking forward to to this event that I can’t stop thinking about it.
Thank you for writing this down for us to read and be grateful to meet Jesus in Heaven some day
and God bless you.
Jeff, this was a blessing to me. Always look forward to your words. Hello to Amy n the kids. Miss seeing you all. Keep me in prayer as I will you.
Wow-Good and glorious- thank you