And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Rev 5:9
Can you hear the song? Can you imagine the heavenly realms being filled with unending worship? Though it may feel distant from our everyday lives, this is not a dream or a symbol, it is more real than anything we’ve ever known. Heaven is not a vague idea. It is a true place. It is our true home.
Jesus walked willingly into death to open the way for us, to make it possible for people from every tribe, language, and nation to one day stand in heaven. His love held nothing back. He gave all of Himself, freely, completely, and sacrificially. If we could even begin to grasp the depth of that love, our hearts would fall in awe, undone in humility, and overflowing with gratitude.
Perspective changes everything. A person can visit another country and return transformed, their worldview forever shifted by a new experience. Now imagine what it will be like to behold heaven, to stand in the presence of perfect love and peace.
So much of our fear and weariness stems from our limited vision. We’re so focused on this life, this moment, this body. But this life is not the full story. It’s a rehearsal, a preparation for what is ultimate and eternal. We are here to practice for the true performance.
Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us, because this world is not our forever home. Still, while we’re here, He calls us to live as if we were already in heaven. To receive His unconditional love freely. To love others with the same unconditionality. To live boldly, with eternity in our eyes.
Let go of the fear of death. Live as if you're on a mission trip, already holding your return ticket home. And while you're here, give yourself fully, live each moment with purpose and intention. In the end, only a few things will last: The way we love God, the way we love people, that’s what lasts. All else will pass.
Today, take a moment to examine your heart. Perhaps you've built walls to shield yourself from pain, but those same walls may be keeping out the fullness of God’s unconditional love. They may also be keeping you from loving others unconditionally. In the end, we all lose when love isn’t our foundation. This life is not the final act, it’s the rehearsal. And the best way to prepare for heaven is to learn to love others well and share Jesus's unconditional love. Everything else will fade away.
0 comments