“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away … Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
— Revelation 21:1–2
Do you ever wonder what Heaven will be like? I know none of us can possibly imagine its splendor. In the last two chapters of Revelation, we do get a glimpse of the glory to come as John pulls the curtain aside for a few moments. What marvelous pictures he paints as he dips his hand into all earthly beauty and heavenly light. He has taken the most magnificent things known to humankind and used them to paint the picture of the holy city, the new Jerusalem. What a marvelous place it must be—a city with foundations and walls made of precious stones, with streets and buildings and towers made of pure gold. The Tree of Life will stand by the crystal river, and all the treasures of the nations will be brought in. Should we take John’s picture literally, or is it merely a symbol? If John’s representation is just a pale picture of some greater reality, then Heaven’s glory is beyond the ability of the human tongue to declare.
When earth seems intolerable to you, think of Heaven, our true home. It seems our longing for Heaven diminishes with the increase of our material goods. But when we have great need, when our troubles increase, then we long for Heaven. Perhaps God even allows a certain amount of our needs to go unmet or certain troubles to come our way so that our longing for our true home will not grow too dim. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
We are pilgrims and strangers here, so let’s not get too attached to our earthly existence. Our true citizenship is in Heaven. Today, whether you endure great trial or experience tremendous joy, set your sights on Heaven. Remember and long for your true home.
“When all my labors and trials are over, and I
am safe on the beautiful shore, just to be near
the Lord I adore, that will be glory for me.”
Charles H. Gabriel