We Will Behold Jesus

Heaven! The promise of heaven is at the very core of the gospel, yet we do not hear much on this joyful subject these days. In fact, the Bible does not say much about what heaven is like. Jesus did not sit down with the disciples and explain the glory and majesty of heaven. He did say to the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise,” but he did not describe it (Luke 23:43).

In 2 Corinthians 12:1-6, the apostle Paul refers to heaven when he speaks about being taken up into Paradise. He says he saw and heard things there that so staggered his mind he did not have language to describe it. Although he was thankful for his life and his calling, throughout his years of ministry his continual desire was to go home and be with the Lord. He spoke eloquently about his longing for heaven when he wrote, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

We know that the throne of God is in heaven and Jesus is there with the angels in innumerable multitudes. Paul says that once we are there, we will behold Jesus “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). We are going to have immediate, personal access to the Lord throughout eternity and that fact alone should make our hearts rejoice. Jesus has gone to prepare a home for us where we will live with him forever (see John 14:3).

We will not be relaxing and “having church” all the time in heaven. The Bible tells us that we will rule with the Lord as “kings and priests to our God” (Revelation 5:10). Also, we will be given thrilling assignments in this new world and will act as his servants (see Revelation 22:3). There will be no tears in heaven: “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (21:4). No sorrow, no pain, no death, no fear.

Beloved, make heaven your earnest desire. Jesus is coming for those who long to be with him there!