The celebration of America’s 250th birthday is in full swing. From small communities to large cities and the special events in our nation’s capital, Americans are celebrating our founding. Our freedom. And our way of life.
Last night, Norma Jean and I watched the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. There were performances by the military band and singers, speeches about faith, family, and freedom, an F-35 flyover, and the stealth B-2 bomber.
Thousands of people were waving flags, singing along, and generally having a good time celebrating. It was fun to watch and feel the spirit of patriotism.
Yet, as wonderful as earthly celebrations may be, there is another celebration that citizens of the heavenly Kingdom can anticipate. A celebration so glorious that our greatest earthly anniversaries will pale in comparison. The apostle Peter speaks of it in these terms.
“11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless”
(2 Pet. 3:11-14).
Think about that day. When God’s purpose is fully consummated in eternity. When we, as “strangers and pilgrims” in this world, finally go home.
Scripture gives us glimpses of that glorious day. Consider just a few of the blessings we will one day celebrate:
♦We’ll celebrate being at God’s throne.
The beloved John vividly pictures the saints gathered before God’s throne—standing in His presence and basking in His glory. Read Revelation 4-5. Or listen to Alexander Scourby read it. And imagine being there.
♦We’ll celebrate seeing Jesus.
The Bible tells us we will know Jesus, see Jesus, and be with Jesus. The One who loved us enough to die for us will welcome us home. That’s reason enough to celebrate.
♦We’ll celebrate a resurrected body.
Through death, we will shed this mortal body and put on the immortal. We’ll put an end to corruption and put on incorruption. The physical will now be spiritual. That’s difficult to understand. But I know we’ll have a better body.
♦We’ll celebrate a rousing welcome.
Peter writes that we’ll “receive a rich welcome into the heavenly Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1:11). Imagine the cloud of witnesses of Hebrews 11 welcoming you when you enter the pearly gates. Abel. Enoch. Noah. Abraham. Joseph. Joshua. David. Daniel. As well as Peter, Paul, and John. Wow!
♦We’ll celebrate a wonderful reunion.
Think of those precious loved ones who have already gone on before us. To see my Dad and Mom. My brother, Bill. My granny, Key. And a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. What a family reunion we will all enjoy.
♦We’ll celebrate the most beautiful place we’ve ever seen.
The most incredible sunrise, the most gorgeous sunset, and the most breathtaking mountain-top view all pale in comparison to heaven’s perpetual, awe-inspiring beauty.
♦We’ll celebrate an atmosphere of righteousness.
Like Lot, our righteous souls are continually vexed by the putridity of sin. The vulgarity. The immorality. The immodesty. And the brazen, perverted lifestyles. None of that will be in heaven. No sin will reside in that holy city. Won’t we celebrate such a place?
♦We’ll celebrate a place of relief.
John reminds us that God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying” (Rev. 21:4).
No pain. No sorrow. No sickness. No headaches or heartaches. No crippling arthritis. No cancer. No MS. No wheelchairs. No crutches. No skinned knees. No antibiotics. And no nagging back pain. Surely, we’ll celebrate this land of relief.
♦We’ll celebrate our eternal reward.
When we cross the finish line and burst through Heaven’s gates, then we’ll know that every sacrifice, every commitment, and every ounce of energy and effort was worth it. No earthly accolade, medal, prize, or ribbon will compare with receiving the prize of God’s unfading, incorruptible, and everlasting reward. May we live every day with our eyes fixed on that coming celebration.
As the late Dee Bowman often reminded us, “If you miss heaven, you’ve just missed all there is.”
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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