Coach's Corner

A little taste of Heaven

Heaven…
Have you ever caught yourself in the middle of a frustrating day, wishing and pleading with God that the return of Jesus would happen right at that moment so that it would prevent you from facing the remaining days’ obstacles?

I know I have! And on occasion, I’ve even caught myself thinking, “if I could only get to heaven, put my feet up, relax to David playing his harp, listen to Joshua tell stories about Jericho, and be served unlimited bagels loaded with Philadelphia Cream Cheese by good old Albert, then that would be the life.”

Many people have spent tireless hours thinking and writing about heaven and asking questions like “What is heaven? Where is heaven? Is heaven on earth? What does heaven look like? Etc…” All these questions are asked in an attempt to solve this mystery called heaven.

But what does the Bible say about heaven? What’s symbolic and what’s to be taken literal? What does God want us to know about this place called heaven?

Are there literally harps? [Rev. 15:2]

Are there in fact streets made of gold? [Rev. 21:21]

Is there an actual river of water flowing from the throne of God? [Rev. 22:1]

Will the foundation of the walls have free jewels in them? [Rev. 21:19]

Will the new city of Jerusalem really be dressed up in a wedding dress when it’s lowered from heaven? [Rev. 21:2]

Is there unlimited Philadelphia Cream Cheese? [No supporting Scriptures found]

What should we to take literal? What should we be taking symbolically? Will we ever know?

The truth is that we will probably never know everything that is literal and symbolic about heaven until the actual events begin to unfold.  However, there is one thing about heaven that we know for certain? It’s this: Whether theses things are symbolic or actually literal, the Bible’s description of heaven is a place where God’s perfection and final goodness of his physical creation is made whole and will last forever. It’s a place where God’s superior reign is understood and marveled at by all his creation. And it’s a place where we can be sure the presences of God will be loved and enjoyed for all of eternity.

Love and Peace,

Pastor Josh

Posted September 13, 2008