What Is Heaven Like?

Hebrews 8:5a – They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. (NIV)

Several days ago, we were walking the beach at the evening hour. It was foggy, so everywhere we looked we saw but a shadow; nothing was clear. Then, as we walked along, a picture developed in the sky which I shall never forget. We gazed in awe at God's handiwork. The sun's setting rays were piercing the fog in a wonderful display of colour, with the rays stretching from heaven to earth.

My feet felt like I was standing immobile in another hemisphere — a divine and beautiful place somewhere between heaven and earth. I've never seen anything like it. Hebrews says that everything on earth is but a shadow of what we will see in heaven some day. Wow! The real thing must be absolutely beautiful!

Today I wonder: what is heaven really like? I have often been asked that question, or this one: what will we see in heaven? Without our bodies, will we float around somehow, not walking? After all, we are not in this earthly body any longer, right?

The Book of Revelation gives us some ideas to go on:

Revelation 21:4 – He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (NIV)

Wonderful! Everything will be made new, like Jesus' body after the resurrection:

John 20:19 – On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" (NIV)

So, friends, everything material, everything physical that we experience now will be no more. Will we float around? I don't know, but I look forward to a completely spiritual body.

If the most beautiful sunset that I have ever seen is but a shadow of heaven, then come with me, walk through the fog, and there before us is our risen Lord with arms outstretched. Heaven is life in His presence.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we see You now through eyes of faith, but then face to face. We know You now through hearts of love, but then in Your embrace. Now, we feel Your presence filling our souls, but then the touch of Your hand will fill us. O Lord, our spirits will be lit up by resurrection light. Hallelujah! Jesus lives! We see Your glory as Your rays fall upon our faces, as we bow this day in awe and praise. Amen.

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