Go! And Long for Heaven's True Treasure - Revelation 21:3–4
Introduction: The True Treasure of Heaven
If I asked you today, What excites you most about heaven?, how would you answer? Streets of gold? No more pain? Reunion with loved ones? These are glorious promises, yes—but they are not the greatest joy of heaven.
Max Lucado put it beautifully: “We may speak about a place where there are no tears, no death, no fear, no night; but those are just the benefits of heaven. The beauty of heaven is seeing God.”
Church, the heart of heaven is not what is there—it’s who is there: Jesus Christ—our Lord and our God.
Revelation 21:3–4 (NLT): “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’”
Let’s take a journey through this passage and others that reveal the beauty and promise of heaven—not merely as a paradise, but as the place of God’s perfect presence.
1. God With Us—Forever!
The Apostle John is receiving a vision of the new heaven and new earth. At the climax of God’s redemptive plan, the eternal home of God’s people is revealed—not a far-off escape, but a place where God Himself will dwell with us.
The word for “dwelt” in many translations is s????? (skenoo)—meaning “to pitch a tent, to tabernacle.” God moves in permanently, never to leave.
This reminds us of the Tabernacle in the wilderness—God dwelling with His people. But in heaven, this is no temporary tent. It is a forever home with the living God.
John 14:2–3 (NLT): “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home… When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
Jesus isn’t just preparing a place—He’s preparing us for a relationship with Him that never ends.
Charles Stanley said: “Heaven is not just a destination. It is a relationship fulfilled.”
Amen! And as your pastor, I remind you: our greatest joy isn’t golden streets—it’s the God who walks them with us!
2. The End of Pain—The Triumph of Redemption
Revelation 21:4 paints a future we all long for: no tears, no death, no pain. But notice who wipes the tears: God Himself. That’s intimacy. That’s love.
Isaiah 25:8 (NLT): “He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears.”
This isn’t wishful thinking. This is prophetic certainty fulfilled through Christ.
“Wipe away” (????? – machah) implies complete removal, like erasing ink from a scroll. Your sorrow is not just eased—it is eliminated by the hand of God.
John Piper wrote: “Heaven is not a hall of mirrors where we see ourselves exalted. It is a palace of crystal where Christ is exalted forever.”
Hallelujah! God’s redemption doesn’t just restore paradise—it restores perfect relationship.
3. The Central Joy of Heaven Is God Himself
Let’s be clear: Heaven is not great because there’s no sickness. Heaven is great because God is there.
Psalm 27:4 (NLT): “The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life… delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.”
David wasn’t craving a palace—he longed for the presence of the Lord.
Tim Keller once said: “The only way we can be sure of our place in heaven is to love being with God more than anything else.”
Church, I must ask—do you delight in God now? Heaven is the eternal continuation of a relationship we begin here and now.
4. Jesus—The Only Way to That Eternal Presence
All this hope is not automatic. The promise of heaven is not earned—it’s given through Jesus Christ alone.
John 14:6 (NLT): “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’”
That’s not exclusion. That’s invitation. Jesus made the way.
Gospel Presentation:
Jesus lived the perfect life you and I could not.
He was crucified, bearing your sin and mine.
He died and was buried—but rose again on the third day!
Because of that, we are no longer enemies of God—we can be His sons and daughters!
Romans 5:1 (NLT): “Since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”
R.T. Kendall said: “Heaven begins now for the person who accepts Jesus.”
Oh friends, don’t wait for heaven to meet Jesus. Meet Him today. Walk with Him now.
5. Live Today in Light of Heaven Tomorrow
Philippians 3:20 (NLT): “We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Saviour.”
Citizens of heaven live with eternal vision and holy urgency.
The Window Cleaner
There’s a story of a man who cleaned windows on skyscrapers. He said, “Every pane I clean reflects the sky. It reminds me that one day I’ll see the real thing, not just a reflection.”
Are we living each day reflecting the light of heaven? Or have we forgotten where our true home is?
Application Questions:
Are you living for earthly comforts or heavenly glory?
Are you inviting others to the joy you’ve found in Jesus?
Are you ready to see the face of God?
Call to Action:
To the believer:
Refocus your hope. Heaven is not your escape—it is your inheritance. Live in holiness, joy, and anticipation.
To the seeker:
Don’t miss the beauty of heaven by rejecting the One who made it possible. Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ today.
Invitation to Salvation:
Friend, Jesus is calling. Heaven is real, but so is hell. You were made for relationship with God, but sin separates us. The good news is: Jesus has made a way.
Will you respond?
Pray this with me if you’re ready:
Lord Jesus, I confess I have sinned. I believe You died for me and rose again. I turn from my sin and trust in You. Make me new. Be my Saviour and Lord. Lead me into the joy of eternal life with You. Amen.
Benediction:
Beloved, may your eyes be fixed on the glory to come.
May your heart be stirred by the hope of heaven.
May your life reflect the beauty of knowing Christ.
And may you go, and long for heaven’s true treasure—God Himself.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
