Reflections on Heaven
In the last chapter of the book of Revelation, a verse speaking about heaven says, “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” I think on this verse often, and it puts a glorious picture in my mind about what the next life will be like.
I love sunny days – I like turning my face toward that glowing ball in the sky, and feeling its radiant warmth. I like to see how the sun brightens up forests of yellow leaves in autumn, turning an already-wondrous scene into a world of gold surroundings. I enjoy watching the play of sunlight over waves of rivers, lakes, and oceans. And I know that it’s the sun and its energy that makes things grow and thrive; it sustains life on both physical and emotional levels.
And at night, when the sun is off visiting other parts of the world, the moon gives off a different kind of light. Actually, it still awes me – to ponder the fact that whatever light we get from the moon is actually a product of reflection from the sun’s rays. Incredible, how powerful the sun’s light is – casting great light even off the surface of a rocky, lunar body. God’s design is truly creative, imaginative, and perfect.
So…I love these heavenly bodies. But…come real heaven, they will go away – they will be unnecessary frivolities compared to the greatness of light that will emanate from God Himself, as a result of His greatness, holiness, and glory. I can hardly grasp the beginning of what this means… that God IS light, and in Him is no darkness at all. And God IS love, and when we get to heaven, He will be all we ever want and need – and He will be our singular desire, as things were meant to be at the dawn of creation. All will be made right, and God will rule over everything.
We are called to live in this hope, as we walk through this life. Sometimes I get carried away with it, and I cry out for Jesus’s return–hurry it up! I say. Come quickly! I urge. And yes, those are good (and natural) reactions to have… but I also must remember that as long as Jesus has not yet come back – we are called to live according to His will and purpose here on earth. Hoping always, and expecting His return, but waiting patiently in the meantime.