Published by One Day, I’m Going Home to Heaven
When I finished my tour of duty in Vietnam, the airplane I returned on landed in Anchorage, Alaska. When I deplaned, I bent down and kissed the ground. This was the USA, my home, and I was never happier to see it. Most of us have a deep nostalgia in our hearts for home. Even animals have a homing instinct. I read of a dog that traveled over highways, rivers and mountains from Colorado to California to get home where his family lived.
The Bible has a lot to say about the ultimate home of those who love God. Jesus himself has reserved a room there for all who follow him.
§ Heaven is a real place. Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Heaven is a real place where real believers will live with a real God. Years ago when the first Russian Cosmonauts returned from space, one commented that he had looked around in space and had not seen God. Ruth Graham said that he had looked in the wrong place. Had he stepped outside his ship without a suit, he would have seen God very quickly. God is real and so is the home he has prepared for those who love him.
§ You should believe in heaven. There are so many reasons to believe. Jesus said it was real. Why would he lie? He was either a liar, a lunatic or Lord – we must all decide which. He said, “if it were not so, I would have told you…” (John 14:2). Not only do we have the testimony of Jesus, but we have the testimony of our own hearts. “God has put eternity in our hearts” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). God put within each of us a desire for eternity and he has provided an eternal home in answer to that deep desire. Jesus later said, “Because I live, you shall live” (John 14:19). I’m counting on that!
§ Heaven was prepared for you. In Christ, you will have a new body and a new home. Heaven can be your eternal address. If you’ve wandered off and lost your way, God has a message for you – Come home! In fact, that homesickness you feel is real. In a way, it’s a gift. Heaven was made for you by a God who loves you deeply. Don’t settle for less and don’t let anyone take that hope from you.
One of the last things God has to say in his word is this: “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let those who hear say, “Come!” Let those who are thirsty come; let all who wish, take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17). Isn’t that just like the God who loves us, to invite us home one last time!
Bill Anderson, Pastor
Pineville Christian Church
