In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it
were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if
I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to
myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the
place where I am going. John 14:2-4
As Christians, we often talk about heaven. We discuss the
relief from pain, misery and sorrow. We reminisce about loved ones who have
already taken that journey. Even non-Christians talk of a resting place of
peace when one dies. We all long for a place that has less turmoil than this
life here on earth.
Christians believe that the gateway to heaven is through
Jesus Christ. He fulfilled all the promises and prophecies of the Old
Testament, of the coming Messiah. Jesus himself said that He was the gate, the
door, the shepherd, and the way. He explained that the only way to the Father,
was through Him.
Christ went on to tell us that He was going to prepare a place
for us. He talked of mansions and a place of rest, free from sorrow or pain. He
even told the man hanging on the cross next to Him, “Today, you will be with me
in paradise.” There it is! He called it, Paradise.
Webster’s Dictionary defines paradise as, “A place or state
of bliss, felicity, or delight.” Also, two synonyms are, Eden and Heaven. We
know that Eden, is where God created Adam and Eve. We also know that it was
there, man chose to sin.
Eve was enticed by Satan, himself. That was a pretty big enticement.
Adam then was swayed by his wife. Through the ages, that baton of sin continues
to be passed on from generation to generation. We are all victims of the curse
of sin, and we love to involve others in our sin. It’s never fun to sin alone.
We were all barred from that paradise called Eden, forever.
There is a paradise for us to have though, and we call it
heaven. God has paved the way through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the
price for our sins when He submitted Himself to a brutal death on the cross. He
then rose victoriously and sits at the right hand of God, pleading our case.
Anyone who turns from the wicked ways, and seeks this Christ for forgiveness, will
have this place of which He speaks; heaven!
We will be reunited with our loved ones, however when we
die, our eyes will be focused on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will be
content and happy in this place of paradise. We too, will be victorious over
death, and have life everlasting, because of Jesus.
There are words to an old song that goes, “When we all get
to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that shall be. When we all see Jesus, we’ll
sing and shout the victory!” We need to get our hearts ready and our vocal
chords warmed up. A great day is coming!
Dear Father,
Thank you for your son, Jesus, who paved the way for us to
have eternal life in paradise.
Amen
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