How do we think of life after death?

As we continue to process and think through Jacob's health and the future, we find ourselves thinking more about eternity. This is due in large part to the fact that we know from a human perspective there is not a lot of encouragement we can give him about his future here. So we are trying to speak much of the glories of eternity. This of course makes us contemplate eternity more, as we sometimes draw blanks when it comes to expressing those glories of the future state. Perhaps you are like me and you think of heaven as being "good" and "blessed," but it all still seems a bit vague. What are we actually going to do there? What is it like? Scripture says it is eternal joy, but what concrete images can we give our kids to help express these things? Even the other day Jacob asked, "Is there anything fun in heaven?"

This has gotten me to reflect on the Bible's descriptions and how New Testament people spoke of life after death. From those reflections I think that we need to rephrase our speech. How many times haven't you heard the phrase that someone has "died and gone to heaven?" It always seems like they missed out on the rest of their lives. But the New Testament gives a much different perspective. Instead of teaching our kids that we will someday "die and go to heaven," we need the New Testament language, which is much more to the tune of "die and go to be with Jesus in heaven." Over and over again it is about being with Jesus and not so much about going to the place. Now that is something concrete that we can give our kids (and ourselves). If we know Jesus well here, then we have one certain known thing to anticipate in heaven--getting to know Jesus in person. That is the one constant between this life and the next.

I thought I would put down some texts that reinforce this theme.

1) Luke 23:43, "Today you will be with me in Paradise."

2) John 17:24, "I desire that they. . .may be with me where I am."

3) 2 Cor 5:8, "We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

4) 1 Thess 4:17, "caught up to meet the Lord. . .so we will always be with the Lord."

5) John 14:3, "I will come again and take you to myself that where I am you may be also."

6) Phil 1:23, "My desire is to depart and be with Christ."

7) Phil 3:30, "our citizenship is in heaven and from it we await a Savior."

Some of these reflections are drawn from John Piper's main theme in God is the Gospel, that Christ died not primarily to forgive us, but to bring us to God. Piper also demonstrates that if we could be happy in a heaven that had every earthly delight but did not have Christ then we would not be one of his true children. Being with Christ is what brings his children true delight and joy, not being in a wonderful place. And laboring to know him well now is the greatest preparation for death that we can make; for then we know something of what waits for us across the river.

So let's get our wording right as we look forward to the future. Let us speak of "going to be with Jesus"--and let us make every effort to communicate the beauties and delights and pleasures that are to be found in him.

. . .in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Psalm 16:11

Facebook

I just thought I'd let those of you who read the blog that I've transitioned somewhat to facebook. I tend to shoot up short snippets of the day or thoughts I've had (and the occasional picture) onto facebook and use the blog for more lengthy reflections or information. Just so you know that if you are on facebook you can find us, and if you aren't, you are missing some of the news we are sending out.

The Nearness of my God is my good

After a very trying day at work and what seems to be an endless succession of such days, I was much cheered by the words of Psalm 16 as we went through it this evening after dinner. I thought I would just post it here for others to reflect on.

Psalm 16

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.

The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.

I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.

For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.

You make known to me the path of life

in your presence is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

(ESV)