This past week Beth and I had the privilege of completing our first “bucket list” place to see by taking an Alaskan cruise. Now we aren’t globetrotters by any means attempting to see the wonders of the world, but simply wanting to see the beauty and magnificence of the amazing country we live in.
I have witnessed the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, the vastness of the Grand Canyon, the breathtaking sunsets on Florida beaches, but I have to admit I was absolutely amazed at the sights seen in Alaska – snow-capped mountains, glaciers, humpback whales, bald eagles, and pristine shorelines were few, if any, people have stepped. And though I took many pictures, I find as I look at them they don’t do justice to the reality of what I experienced. I can show others the pictures and tell them what I saw, but it pales in comparison to actually being there, seeing and experiencing.
The Apostle Paul must have sensed that in some way when he shared a portion of his vision in 2Cor.12:2-4 where he was caught up to Paradise and saw and experienced that which couldn’t be put into words. Even in the revelation given to John, he had difficulty describing heaven, the city of God in Revelation 21.
My point being, how does one describe the indescribable? As amazed as I was at the beauty of a portion of God’s creation, the bible informs me of a place more amazing, astonishing, and astounding. Scripture describes heaven as a big place (Rev.21:16), a beautiful place (Rev.21:18-21), and a place for believers only (Rev.21:27). In his own words, Jesus made that last statement about heaven very clear in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
I was witnessing to an individual from a different religion about heaven a short while ago when he asked me pointedly, “You mean to tell me that regardless of how good I am or the amount of good things I do – if I don’t know Jesus as my Savior, I can’t go to heaven?” When I pointed out Jesus’ words in John and what the bible has to say about sin and the means for forgiveness through Jesus, he paused, pondered, and said he would think about what I had shared with him. I certainly hope his thoughts become action in accepting Jesus’ gift of salvation.
Someone has said that a picture is worth a thousand words. That may be true to a certain extent, but both fail at the reality experienced by the one who took the picture or spoke about it. My bucket list isn’t very long and I don’t know if I’ll take all the trips necessary to fulfill it, but one trip is definitely on the docket and a guarantee that I will take it. Heaven will be the last and most satisfying trip of all.
Do you know for sure heaven is on your list?
With awed anticipation,
Pastor Bill