Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
While sitting in a lakeside gazebo with my sisters-in-Christ, I was reminded of the many blessings in my life. While we studied God’s Word, the sun was shining, a warm breeze was blowing, and the frogs were singing. It was a beautiful day.
As I sat listening to each woman share her insights from God’s Word, I couldn’t help but wonder. Is this a preview of what heaven will be like? Will we sit around in the splendor of heaven, sharing and digesting all the Lord has given us?
Undoubtedly, heaven will be much grander than anything we can imagine; however, I believe there are times when God opens our spiritual eyes and reveals tiny glimpses of His glory here on earth. Through these moments, He provides a foretaste of that which is waiting for us in heaven.
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 22:1-5)
I envision heaven with the very best we experience here on earth, but even more magnificent. I get goose bumps when I experience a beautiful sunrise, a melodious song, or a tranquil day spent with family and friends. These precious moments on earth are just a foretaste of heaven.
This world is not our home, and for this reason we have a longing in our soul for our real home—Heaven. One day all God’s people will dwell together on the new earth, and our spirits will be filled with the richness of God’s glory. We will stand in heavenly awe, covered with eternal goose bumps, taking in the splendor the Lord has waiting for us.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him, but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)
Until then we must settle for this temporary dwelling, a place where our souls are quelled by the mere glimmer of His glory and presence.