Revelation 21:1-4, 22-27

BASKING IN GOD'S GLORY

The glory of God gives [the city its] light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
Revelation 21:23

Christians have many reasons to look forward to heaven. Some long for a release from the pain and difficulty they are experiencing. Others look forward to seeing loved ones who have died. Still others are eager to see what a perfect world is really like.

But wonderful as these things will be, the most impressive and enjoyable thing about heaven will be the radiance of God. In heaven, the presence of God will be tangible and vivid to our senses. "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them."

Since we don't really know God very well yet, our desires sometimes focus on other aspects of heaven. But that will change when we finally see God face to face. These things will not impress us nearly as much as God himself. Anything beautiful will pale by comparison to the source of all beauty. Anything enjoyable will seem almost dull compared to the Fountain of all job. Even knowing our loved ones will take second place to being face to face with Love himself. The sun's brilliance will be overwhelmed by the dazzling radiance of the Son.

If you look forward to something special in heaven that God has promised, by all means keep thinking about it. But as God shines some rays of his light into your heart through the knowledge of Jesus, focus on his glory and rejoice that you will someday see him face to face.

PRAYER

Lord, sometimes heaven is too much to imagine, because you are too much to imagine. Reveal yourself to us and hasten the day when we will bask in your full glory. Amen.