Heaven Chapter 2

So, I read Chapter two in Heaven by Randy Alcorn.  This was a really good chapter that made me think.  

Randy Alcorn says this, "We can not anticipate or desire what we can not imagine."  This is why he believes God has given us little bits and pieces of Heaven in the Bible. "To fire up our imagination and kindle a desire for Heaven in our hearts."

This makes complete sense to me.  I like how he talks about 1 Corinthians 2:9. 

However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" the things God has prepared for those who love him.

But you also must read verse 10.  

These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

 The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

What we couldn't have known about Heaven, God has revealed to use through His Spirit.  So God has explained to us what Heaven is like.  He hasn't told us everything by any means.  But He wants us to understand and anticipate it.  

Colossians 3:1 says:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

I like what Randy says about this.  "Our minds are so set on Earth that we are unaccustomed to heavenly thinking.  So we must work at it."

"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.  The Apostles themselves, who set foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied wit Heaven.  It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.  Aim at Heaven and you will get earth 'thrown in': aim at earth and you will get neither."

- C.S. Lewis

I have never read this quote before until I read this book.  C.S. Lewis does make a very good point.  His last sentence reminds me of Matthew 16:26.  "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"  The Christians that have their minds set on Heaven will be the ones who make the most difference on Earth. 

Lord,

Thank you for the wonderful, indescribable place that you are preparing for us.  Thank you for describing it in your Word so we may imagine and anticipate it.  Help me to keep my heart and mind focused on things above.  I don't want to waste my time focusing on things in this world that will not last.  

Amen

- Mallory