Living 4 Him

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”  Luke 23:43

It is hard for us to imagine the offenses that would drive a culture to crucify its people.  Crucifixion in Jesus’ day was used mostly for non-citizens, slaves or those of low social standing.  Possible criminal acts included inciting violence, stealing, disobeying, running away from a master or threatening the security of the government. 

Jesus was not crucified alone.  Luke’s account tells of two other criminals hanging on crosses with Jesus.  One criminal insults Jesus by telling him to bring all of them down from their crosses.  The other one humbles himself by saying how truly sorry he is for what he has done.  He asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into his Kingdom.  To this man, Jesus responds, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

Paradise. . . the perfections of Heaven await.  Jesus demonstrated faith in the promise of his Father. He knew where he was going.  These words are confirmation of what he had spoken during his ministry. Words we put our faith in as well. 

When her brother Lazarus died, Jesus assured Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”  John 11:25(NIV)

The night Jesus was arrested he told his disciples, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14: 2-3 (NIV)  

Heaven is a real place, where love, joy, peace and goodness overflow.  Let’s celebrate the heaven ahead of us with some insightful quotes . . .  

“The greatest love we feel for children, a spouse, friends, or family on earth amounts to a teaspoon of love compared to the oceans we will experience together for eternity. The Old Testament prophets foretold it, Jesus demonstrated it, and those who have had a peek behind the veil consistently say the same thing—God is love, and Heaven will be the greatest reunion ever.”  (John Burke, Imagine Heaven)  

What shall it be like in heaven?  Some of our truest images of ourselves in heaven, it seems to me, are stirred up by bread-and-butter pleasure we enjoy here.  Have a thigh-thumping laugh at a ridiculous story, and you get a sharp snap of yourself happy in heaven.  Let a piece of soul music send shivers down your spine, and you have an image of your capacity for beauty in heaven.  Maybe the happiest memories of ourselves on earth are our clearest images of what we shall be in heaven.  (Lewis Smedes, Keeping Hope Alive)

“If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. . . . Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither.”  (C.S. Lewis)

Understanding God’s complete love for us helps us know more about what Heaven will be like.  God has created a place where pure love exists and is experienced without limit or blockage.  Heaven renews and restores us to the fullness of God’s own glory.

Paul encouraged the Colossians with these words: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ” Colossians 3: 1-2 (NIV)

Jesus was able to endure the hardship of the cross because he knew what was waiting for him.  Paradise.  Life with his Father.  Life with millions of God’s children.  All united in one love. 

Settle your mind on the paradise above that awaits and look for glimpses of Heaven in your daily life.  Paradise is closer than we think.

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your souls): Read several descriptions of Heaven to imagine the glory ahead of us: John 14:2-3, Hebrews 12: 22-23, Revelation 7:15-17, Revelation 21 and 22.

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world): Use the prayer below to place your eyes on Heaven.

O God of Excellence and Beauty, You have an incredible life for me on earth and you are preparing me for an incredible life in Heaven.  Give me eyes that see beyond my earthly trials.  Give me a mind that believes beyond the grave. Give me a heart that loves into eternity.