From the questions passed in during and after worship, I combined a couple of them. Here are two combined into one: How do we really know there is a heaven? Do you think our loved ones in Heaven will find us when we die?
I think there is a difference between really knowing, and, trusting.
Really knowing implies we have facts...that we can prove what ever it is through scientific findings. I can't share "facts" about heaven. Tucked way back in my memory is what one of the first cosmonauts said when he went into space. He quipped something like, I don't see any God out here! So, if being able to prove something through facts is the only way to really know ... well that can't be provided.
However, I trust that there is a heaven.
Jesus said in Matthew 4:17, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." In and through Jesus we get a glimpse of heaven ... we come near to heaven ... we see God's intent for us and the world. Through Jesus I see heaven as God's incredible love for us bursting open the tomb of death and providing God's children with life beyond death.
What this eternal life will look like has been written about in Revelation. In various places we hear it talking about a place that needs, "no sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light." Or, we read about a "... the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride for her husband." This implies that heaven will come to earth? Many other images can be found in Revelation. But, because of the nature of Revelation (apocalyptic literature) to take what it says literally would be a mistake.
Instead, I turn from Revelation to Jesus' words in John, "In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also."
I trust these words from Jesus. In Jesus' hands all will be well.
Now, will those who have died before me "find" me? I trust we will be with those we loved and those who loved us. I don't think it will be a matter of "finding" each other. We will be with God and with those who have gone before us. All will be well. Exactly how this happens...I don't have the facts ... I have God's Word though. I will trust what Jesus has said. I will put my eggs in that basket! It will be wonderful!
LGL
Pastor Dave
