Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-9 1 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 We live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
My wife Martie and I will never forget the days we spent traveling in open-topped, four-wheel-drive vehicles through the wide African plains all the nights spent sleeping in tents under the endless sky. For months beforehand, we devoted hours to preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We pored through good travel guidebooks and consulted with the safari company about what to bring, the weather and other aspects of such an adventure.
After months of planning, we thought we knew what to expect, but it was so much better than we imagined! To be alone in God’s creation with majestic lions and massive elephants, and to see the beauty and grace of giraffes, zebras, and other exotic wildlife in their natural habitat was a thrilling experience. The African night sky was breathtaking. And the guide’s explanation of the amazing way the entire ecosystem worked made us want to break out in songs of worship to our Creator.
Obviously, the experience was far more enjoyable than the preparation, but the trip wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t carefully planned for the journey. In a sense, it’s life that with heaven. The planning and preparation starts now, beginning when we place our faith in Christ alone for salvation. With the end in view, we read His “guidebook” and pray daily. But thankfully God does the planning. As Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:5, God is active in preparing us for the new heaven ad new earth. In this world, the Spirit guides every step of faith, while Jesus is busy preparing a place for His followers (John 14:2).
When we get there, it will be infinitely better than we imagined! The bible tells us enough about heaven to make us eagerly anticipate the place where every tear will be wiped away and where God’s brilliance and glory will negate the need for the light of the sun. His throne will be surrounded by worshipers who delight in worshiping him with unhindered joy and satisfaction.
God wants us to appreciate and enjoy this search until He calls us home. But heaven is a better place to prepare for – and we’ll have an eternity to explore it. It’s a trip worth preparing for!
-Joe Stowell-
Responding - What can I do to focus my heart more on heaven today?
Following – Don’t forget to plan and prepare for your eternal destination.
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