Words from the Rock
Father, I want everyone you have given me to be with me, wherever I am. Then they will see the glory that you have given me, because you loved me before the world was created.
John 17:24 CEV
What if you were just going about your day with nothing much to do because it’s a Saturday, and you’re broke, so you don’t have any plans? You pass by this new amusement park, which is supposed to be awesome, and you see that they’re running a special introductory offer—free admission, free rides, and even free food for a limited time only. What would you do? If you’re like most people, you’d go inside, get on your phone, and call your best friends to come join you, because something that great needs to be shared!
Maybe that’s a tiny bit how Jesus feels as he prays this prayer. He’s asking his Father to make sure all his followers will join him in heaven. Jesus is still on earth when he makes this request, and it’s been a while since he was in heaven. But he knows heaven well since he was with his Father at the beginning of time and they created it together. Chances are he’s been missing it. And because he knows how absolutely fabulous that kingdom is, he wants all his friends to enjoy the amazing experience with him!
Can you imagine Jesus’s anticipation? It’s not easy to envision heaven because it’s so far outside the realm of our earthly experience, but Jesus must have been incredibly excited at the prospect of gathering all his friends around him in the most spectacular, most incredible, most wonderful place in the entire universe.
How do you feel when you think about heaven? Hopeful? Excited? Do you want to talk to others about heaven?
My Prayer
Dear God,
I admit that heaven boggles my mind. Please give me glimpses of how fantastic it will be so I can be as enthusiastic about your kingdom as you are.
Amen.
Final Word
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.
Philippians 1:27 NLT
Stone for the Journey
Heaven is beyond my wildest expectations.