Eternity—i Got Heaven On My Mind.

Eternity—I Got Heaven On My Mind.

1 Corinthians 2:9NIV

In his classical devotional book titled the Saints Everlasting Rest, English Puritan Pastor and Arthur Richard Baxter 1615-1691 wrote, why are not our hearts continually set on heaven? Why dwell we not there in constant contemplation?… bend thy soul to study eternity, busy thyself about the life to come, habituate thyself to such contemplation, and let not those thoughts be seldom and cursory (Hasty), but be thyself in heavens delight.

Baxter goes on to point out four benefits of thinking about heaven.

It protects us from temptation because it keeps the heart focused on what pleases God.

It maintains the vigor of the Christian life.

It provides medicine for our afflictions, cheering our spirits and easing our suffering.

It makes us an encouragement to other believers.

With this in mind, I ask as Baxter did, “Why are not our hearts continually set on heaven?”

1 Corinthians 2:9NIV However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him.

In 1 Corinthians 2:9, The apostles Paul referenced, Isaiah 64:4NKJV For since the beginning of the world Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, Nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him.

1 Corinthians 2:9TPT This is why the Scriptures say: Things never discovered or heard of before, things beyond our ability to imagine— these are the many things God has in store for all his lovers.

Paul speaks with certainty of God’s ability to supersede man’s intellect and His greatness.

Think about this: How long is eternity? Forever and forever. There was a time when you were not, but there will never be a time when you will not be. When Cesar ruled Rome, you were not. When Columbus sailed the world, you were not. When the founding fathers established America, you were not. But there will never be a day from now on when you will not be somewhere.

Your mind probably cannot grasp the truth that in 1 million years, 5 million years, 1 billion years from now, your soul will be alive somewhere. If you love and serve Jesus, your last breath here on earth, will be your first breath in heaven forever and ever. I hope that encourages you, it does me.

Jesus spoke this truth to His disciples, John 14:1-4NKJV “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

Jesus didn't leave this earth to prepare just any place for those who believe in him. Heaven is more spectacular than we can imagine.

The promise of heaven is real. We are going to stand on the streets of gold one day. We are going to hug everyone we love who arrived there before us. We're going to dance in the presence of Jesus. It's real. And it's waiting for us. This world is not our final destination. It's not our true home. Our home is with our father in heaven.

There is a story about a little boy who was born blind. He had never seen his mothers face. He had never seen the beauties of nature. He had never seen a sunset. He had never seen a flower. He had never seen snow. Over the years, his mother had tried her best to describe these things to him. One day, she heard about a renowned doctor he could perform a surgery that gave those who are blind their sight. She took her son for a consultation, and her son was approved for surgery. The operation was successful. After a period of recovery, it was time for the boy to have the bandages that had covered his eye since the surgery removed. When the final one was unwrapped, it took a second or two for the boy to focus. Suddenly, he ran to the window and grasped. Golden sunshine illuminated the sparkling blue sky. The grass was vibrant green and the flowers draped with such colors! His eyes wide, the boy turned to his mother and said, “Oh, mother, why didn't you tell me I was living in such a beautiful world?”

With tears falling down her cheeks, she replied, “Sweetheart I tried. I just couldn't do it justice.”

Revelation 21:1-3NKJV Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.