He carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. Revelation 21:10
What things does a person need for life in the world to come? The ancient Egyptians believed that the people needed there what they need here. When Queen Nefertiti was buried in the Valley of the Queens, her tomb was made to contain food, clothing, furniture, boats, and the like.
However, in the afterlife we have no need for such things, for it is a totally different world. Job declares that we brought nothing with us into the world, and when we leave, we can take nothing with us--no money, no fine clothes, no food, and, thank God, no pills or medicine. Also the crutches and canes will not be needed.
It is hard for us to visualize the situation in heaven. In Revelation Saint John draws back the draperies, as it were, and gives us a glimpse into heaven. He calls it the New Jerusalem, the celestial city. It does not need what earthly cities find necessary. It does not need sun or moon, much less electric lights, for God gives it light. No edifices for worship are needed, for "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple," he writes (Revelation 21:22). Also not found in the heavenly city are stores and food kitchens, for there is no hunger or thirst. Absent, too, are hospitals and mortuaries, for heaven knows neither sickness nor death.
What heaven has to offer we will have in abundance. Much of this is told in picture language. The river of life flows there, as clear as crystal. Present, too, in all its beauty and fruitfulness is the tree of life. Jesus adds to our conception of heaven when He says, "In My Father's house are many rooms" (John 14:2). This is comforting and assuring: Heaven is like a beautiful home where there is room for everyone.
If the question of what we need in heaven is unimportant, there is, however, a question of utmost importance: How do we get there? The Bible clearly and fully answers it. Jesus said He is the Way to the Father above. He reconciled us to God. He removed every obstacle; He paved the way. Believing in Him as the Savior, we have eternal life.
PRAYER: Thank You, Lord God, for the gifts I will take with me into heaven: joy, love, and a peace that is above all human understanding. Amen.
(Devotions from "With Jesus Every Day" copyright 1997, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)
Today's Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 27-28 Acts 19:1-20
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