It is the Lord’s desire that we be with him in heaven, the eternal home of the soul. He said, “I go to prepare a place for you. 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.” (John 14:2, 3) This is also the desire of every faithful Christian. Paul wrote that he had the desire to “depart and be with Christ, which is far better…” (Phil. 1:23) He could not think of anything in this life that would be better than being with Christ. Can you?
Not only does the Lord desire that we be with him in eternity, but he went all the way to the cross to make it possible. (Phil. 2:6-8) He also continues as our High Priest sympathizing with our weaknesses. (Heb. 4:15) He is our Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1), who always lives to make intercession for us. (Heb. 7:25) He continues to forgive us when we confess our sins. (1 John 1:9) He strengthens us when we are weak. (Eph. 6:10) He leads us by his example. (1 Pet. 2:21) He is waiting to welcome us home with those wonderful words, “Well done good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matt. 25:21)
Our part is to remain committed to him, serve him faithfully, and never lose our desire for heaven. To be with him in eternity we must be like him in the here and now. Can the world see Christ in you? Can your neighbors? Can your family? Someone has said, “Christianity is putting Christ on inside, then letting him show on the outside.” Jesus was a very conspicuous person. He attracted attention. If we are following him and trying to be like him the world will know who we are. They will not have to wonder who we are and where we stand. Jesus’ primary mission was “to seek and save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) Is that your primary mission? His primary concern was his “Father’s business.” (Luke 2:49) Is that your primary concern? His primary desire was to do the will of the Father. (John 6:38) Is that your primary desire? When he suffered ridicule and abuse he was leaving us an example to follow. (1 Pet. 2:21) In his humility he exemplified the attitude we must possess. (John 13:1-15) He taught us to serve by serving. (Matt. 20:26-28) To be with him in heaven we must be like him on earth.
A young Buddhist had made a very careful study of the life of Christ. He made this statement to a Christian: “Your Christ is so wonderful, oh, so wonderful! But you Christians, you are not like him.” Could this be said about many Christians you know? Could it be said about you? The Scriptures teach us that “when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:2,3) Do you have “this hope”?
Richard