Saturday I had a long conversation with a good friend whose mother passed away a few weeks ago and he told me he was not making much progress in getting over her loss. My friend is as strong a Christian as anyone I know, and his mother had received Christ and no doubt is with Jesus at this very moment; hence I was puzzled by his behavior.
I told him that his mother was living in a mansion prepared by Jesus, she was walking on streets of gold, and was seeing things that “eye has not seen” and hearing things that “ear has not heard”. Further I told him to just imagine what kind of celebration would be going on in heaven to commemorate this holiest of all weeks when the victory over death was won by Jesus on the cross.
Oh my gosh!
Just think about the worship and praise that most surely has taken place during this sacred holiday week with heavenly choirs singing, angels and those saved by the sacrifice of Jesus joining together to dance through the streets and praise His holy name. Imagine listening to Him speak to His children in a perfect environment free from sadness, tears, pain, violence, sickness, tragedy, and death.
My goodness I cannot even imagine what it must be like. I told my friend to think of his mom and how exhilarating it must be for her at this very moment. She lived a full life and now Jesus has called her home where He can spend time with her too. I suggested that yes he has a right to grieve her loss, but to keep it in context, and if he truly loves her, he should be very happy for her.
As for me I feel identical to the Apostle Paul when he said in Phil.: For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better . . . But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, . . .
In other words Paul knew what was ahead and it was so far superior to what we have now that he longed for the day when he could join Jesus in heaven because it is “so very much better”, but he realized that he had a job to do and thus he remained committed to fulfill his purpose. Today we are still feeling the effects of his ministry in every corner of the world.
I love the song I can only imagine.
Listen it the lyrics:
I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When your face is before me
I can only imagine
Yeah
Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for your Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine when that day comes
And I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine . . .
Jesus has risen! He is alive and death has been defeated. If you are mourning the loss of a loved one who belonged to Jesus, only imagine what joy they must feel. In due time you will join them and oh what a glorious reunion that will be.
Rev. 22:1
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
March 28, 2016 – Click here to listen