Is Heaven Really Going to Be Worth It

The following is basically taken from Lacado's book 3:16. He talks about heaven and gives this analagy from a true story. John Todd was orphaned at a young age and his aunt agreed to take him in, love him and raise him. This is John Todd's account of his approaching his new homef, he wondered if someone would be up and waiting for him. A servant had gone to pick him up and take him to his aunts house .... "Sure enough, as they neared the house, John saw the lighted window and his aunt standing in the doorway. When he reached the porch, she kissed him and said, "Welcome home!"

John Todd grew up in his aunt's care and became a pastor. Years later, she sent news of her impending death. Here's his reply: My Dear Aunt,Years ago, I left a house of death, not knowing where I was going. The ride was long, but the servant encouraged me. Finally I arrived to a new home and your embrace. I was expected; I felt safe.Now your turn has come. I'm writing to tell you Someone's waiting up, your room's all ready, the light's on, the door's open, and you're expected!

As are you. Jesus is preparing for you a place. A perfect place of perfected people with the perfect Lord. And at the right time he'll come and take you home.

I want to live as long as I can on earth, as I said I pray for length of days but there is something that makes me look heaven ward. If we are Christians, this is really not our home, heaven is our home. Lucado goes on to describe heaven like this.... "The gates will never be closed (21:25). For the enemies of God will be banished (21:27). Satan won't lurk in heaven's gardens as he did in the Garden of Eden (22:3). Just think what he's taken from you, even in the last few hours. You worried about a decision, dreaded a conversation, and resented an interruption.
But in heaven, you'll be you at your best forever. You catch occasional glimpses of your heavenly self when you change your baby's diaper, forgive your boss's temper, tolerate your spouse's moodiness. Others will be at their prime, too. Now bad moods infect the best of families. Complaints shadow the clearest of days. But in heaven, all gossip excised and jealousy extracted, no one will doubt your word or speak evil behind your back. Christ's completed redemptive work will discontinue all strife.

I don't know about you but there are times I think about "life-after-life" and wonder how good it can be. Will it be a eternally long church service (I hope not) I have already been through a couple of those or will it really be something that "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard nor has it entered into the heart (or mind) of those who truly love Me." And I have a really good imaginatioin.... More from Lucado on heaven. "No sin also means no boredom. You won't be bored in heaven because you won't be the same you in heaven. Boredom emerges from soils that heaven disallows. The soil of weariness (your eyes tire), mental limitations (information overload dulls you), tedium (meaningless activity siphons your vigor). But Satan will take these weedy soils to hell, leaving you with a keen mind, endless focus, and God-honoring assignments.
Yes, you'll have assignments in heaven. God gave Adam and Eve garden responsibilities (Genesis 1:26). He mantled the couple with leadership over the earth (v. 26) and placed Adam in the garden "to tend and keep it" (2:15, NKJV). Adam and his descendants will serve God again (Revelation 22:3). And what is service if not responsible activity?
You might serve in the capacity you serve now. Couldn't earthly assignments hint at heavenly ones? You may be a chef on Saturn or a mural designer for the New Jerusalem. God might fill heaven with plants and animals and entrust you with the care and feeding of an Africa or two.
Increase will mark this new world. You might oversee the orbit of a distant planetary system or monitor the expansion of a new species. "Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end" (Isaiah 9:7, NKJV). Increased planets? Colors? Music? Seems likely.
And the attributes of God will increasingly stun. His grace and wisdom will progressively astound. God is so rapt with wonders that their viewing requires an eternity. And this is his invitation: "When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am" (John 14:3, NLT).

Just reminding you as I remind myself that we have a great wonderment to look forward to. We have more to look forward to than we can imagine. Thanks be to God for his grace, mercy and his building me a heavenly home.