But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. I Corinthians 2:9
We all know the account of King David’s gracious invitation to Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson who was living in virtual exile in a distant and despised town. From the poverty, hunger, and squalor of Lodebar, Mephibosheth was escorted into the regal presence of the king, and was made to sit in the comfort and bounty of David’s great dining hall. Living in hiding since his early childhood, lame and unable to provide much for himself and his family, this man would have had little experience on which to base his imagination of what it would be like to dwell in the royal palace. He would have appreciated anything that would be an improvement on his wretched living conditions in Lodebar. And so do we, as we try to anticipate the eternal blessings of being in Christ.
Like almost everybody my age, I wear glasses to support my slowly failing eyesight. But even when my sight was good, everything I saw was muted. Every person I have ever seen has been a sinner, every action that I have beheld has been the deeds of sinful hands, and every bit of nature that I have enjoyed has been a glimpse of a nature that sin has reduced to a minor tone. I have no means of understanding a Heaven that has never known nor can know the presence of sin. All I can do is be thankful for – but not understand – the eternal absence of all death and misery, all sin and its consequences. But when I read of the preparation of mansions in our Father’s house, I have no reference point from which to visualize. Streets of gold, the River of Life, the Tree of Life, and so many other features of Heaven cannot be described or imagined. But that should never let us stop enjoying the anticipation.
When we first visited the Storyland theme park in New Hampshire with the grandchildren, we had little knowledge of what all was there. We spent some time in the first part of the park, a pleasant little area with some attractions geared to small children. After awhile, my wife noted that it was nice, but awfully expensive for what we were getting. I smiled and pointed to a nearby gate, telling her that there was more to come. We walked over to the gate and her eyes opened wide as she caught a sight of the main area of the park with its dazzling array of many rides and other attractions. Her surprise was a bit like that which we will enjoy when we enter into that which God has prepared for us. Although we haven’t seen or heard the sights and sounds of Heaven, and cannot imagine them, we can be like the small children who enjoyed the entry to the theme park. We can enjoy the Word of God, which will be with us forever in the Glory. We can enjoy the fellowship of the Lord’s people, who will accompany us forever in the Glory. And we can worship and serve the One Who has made our glad anticipation possible, and who waits to receive us to Himself in the Glory.
No, we don’t know what Heaven is like. But we do know that we will find out! -Jim MacIntosh