"A Better Country" (Part 4)

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:13-16 NIV).

We have looked at both the “where” and the “who” of heaven; today we will look at the third of these three important questions: “What will it be like in heaven?” Without getting into scenery or architecture, let’s pretend we are like Joshua or Caleb and “spy out the land” a bit.

All of us have a different idea about what the “perfect” home would look like. For me it would be a large place on at least a thousand acres of perfect hunting and fishing land. The lake would be stocked with nothing but twenty pound black bass that never refuse to bite and your line never breaks. The woods would be full of deer with 20” racks and at least eighteen points that walk our in easy bow range and stand perfectly still for the easy shot. Of course there would be trophy class turkeys everywhere, dove and quail that fill the sky, and everyday would be the perfect day to hunt or fish! There would be more. All my family would be in their homes within easy walking distance. That would be perfect for me!

Maybe it will be like that. No one can know for sure. However, these things we do know from the Scripture. First, its ruler is God. That’s what Jesus alludes to in the model prayer as he says, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by your name, your kingdom come your will be done.” You see, in heaven God’s will and purpose will be perfectly done. Nothing will be left undone. He will rule in perfect peace and harmony among all. Second, its domain is endless. Even as the galaxy seems endless, heaven will be. It is infinite, without measure. And, third, it’s inhabited by real people. There will be real creatures ruled by a real God. These are the things we encourage one another with. Here’s what Jesus instructed john to write:

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." (Revelation 14:13 NIV).

That’s a better country! I’m on my way. Will you join me on this little stroll?