Encouragement

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Recently, I was in a Christian chat room where the topic was “Heaven.” A fun, light-hearted discussion, we were using what Heaven author Randy Alcorn calls, “Biblically-fueled imaginations.”

“Can’t wait to try Heaven’s chocolate!” someone posted.

“It’ll by-pass our thighs,” added another.

Then came this, from a new poster:

“THERE WON’T BE CHOCOLATE IN HEAVEN.”

The ominous statement was followed by a Smiley face shaking its finger at us.

Well, hello, Killjoy, and congratulations—nothing crashes a cyber party faster than a “shame on you” from a Smiley face!

Ever noticed how some people put massive thought into their earthly homes, yet when it comes to Heaven, they’ve placed boundary markers everywhere? To hear them describe it, Heaven is a super-sized cloud, where dazed-looking spirits drift about, eternally bonded to a harp.

Ho hum, sounds like another borrrrrrrrring day in Paradise. Better than hell, but boring.

God is a creator, and Anthony DeStefano, author of A Travel Guide to Heaven, asks, “Do you think that after all he’s done throughout the course of history, he’s going to make heaven some cloudy, hazy dreamland?”1

Killjoys think so. If they can’t logically figure out how Heaven can be a touchable, tangible place, then it can’t be. Thankfully, God isn’t contained by Killjoy’s limited understanding and power to make things happen.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9, NIV)

“What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27, NIV)

Some Killjoys believe it’s sinful to imagine any pleasantries of this world existing in a holy Heaven. What? No recliners in those mansions? With the detail God put into Heaven’s 12 foundations alone, (Revelation 21:18-20), it’s hard to believe those mansions will sit unfurnished. No fine fixin’s ? The Bible says we’ll take our places at “the feast with Abraham, Issac and Jacob” (Matthew 8:11) Call me overly optimistic, but any chance that "feast" includes...FOOD?

These Killjoys insist we won’t need “things” in Heaven. Granted, our greatest joy will be our Lord’s presence, but even though we might not need things, it doesn’t mean God bans them. Because our bodies will be perfect, lust removed and temperatures favorable, we probably won’t need clothes--but glorified nakedness isn’t scriptural. We’ll be dressed. (Revelation 7:9)

Most Killjoys concede that’ll we’ll see loved ones in Heaven, but their idea of reunions is as bland as plain yogurt, melding us into a multitude of believers with no connection through our former, earthly relationships. Take heart, though—1 Corinthians 13:12 promises, “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” We’ll know our loved ones, and so much better than we did on earth!

And—what about the doozy of debates? Our pets in Heaven? Killjoys will have you in tears, clutching Fluff-Ball’s picture as you agonize over a “No Pets” sign plastered on Heaven’s door. Though humans are God’s highest form of creation, Romans 8: 18-21 says the rest of creation “waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed”, because it will be “liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” John Wesley, John Calvin, Martin Luther, E.D. Bucker and Matthew Henry believed this teaching supports animal immortality, but Killjoys balk, treating the scripture as though Paul threw it in to fill space. Maybe they’ll consider it when they get to Heaven and Lassie bonks ‘em with a Frisbee.

I wonder, where do people get ideas that (figuratively) limit God’s abilities, and diminish how far His love expands?

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him—but God has revealed it to us by His spirit.” Our human minds can’t grasp the endless wonders, glories and depth of Heaven; but God’s Word presents some idea of what will be there. We can’t scan the Bible for quick “Thou Shalt’s” on this subject, but study reveals that Heaven has gardens, city streets and everything else that comprises a kingdom. It’s full of fellowship, activity, knowledge and work we’ll love; freedom from suffering and limitations; laughter, animals, nature, music, food and celebrations.

Good times.

Even the Killjoys will get happy. As for the one who crashed my party, someday we’ll celebrate our Lord in the Heaven He created.

Look me up… I’ll be the one swimming in the chocolate fountain.



1 A Travel Guide to Heaven, Anthony DeStefano, page 12




©Donna G. Morton, January 2006

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