What to Think About the Afterlife

I want to control how long I live.

I go to the doctor as a preventative measure to catch little things before they become big things. I eat (reasonably) well and exercise. My financial planner is looking at us living well into our 90s.

These are all good things that support stewarding the body and life and the gifts God has given me to glorify Him and bless others.

This past month, two influential men in my life unexpectedly died. One of them was kind of expected. The other was completely unexpected.

​Then, last week, a brother pastor only a few years older than me died.

Clearly, I cannot control how long I will live.

This past week, I have been thinking a lot about “the afterlife”—heaven. So, I spent some extra devotion time reading God’s Word about heaven. Here are some thoughts I’m treasuring about heaven today.

Heaven is real. I have unwavering confidence in a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1).

Heaven is filled with peace and goodness. Unlike the ominous sea symbolizing chaos and evil, heaven has a life-giving river, symbolizing peace and goodness (Revelation 22:1-5).

There is a reunion with loved ones. The new city (Jerusalem) represents God’s faithful people being gathered together in the ultimate place of peace (Revelation 21)

There is no more sorrow. There will be no pain, death, or negative emotions in heaven—only joy and completeness (Revelation 21:5).

There is so much more, too.

In the meantime, my faith leads me to echo the words of the psalmist: "I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done." (Psalm 118:17)

What do you think heaven is like? Email me, or let’s catch up over tea or coffee.

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