The title of a 2010 LIFE special edition magazine reads: “Heaven on Earth: The World’s Must-See Destinations.” It contains stunning photography of places such as the Grand Canyon, Alaska’s Denali, Petra in Jordan, and Rio de Janeiro. I’ve actually been fortunate enough to visit a few of them. But I have yet to see most of those scenic wonders.
This magazine caught my attention shortly after the death of my parents. Both my mom and dad went to be with Jesus in 2012. In the weeks and months following their deaths, I found myself grieving over all the “must-see destinations” my folks were never able to visit and enjoy in God’s vast and amazing world. The hope, however, of a renewed earth brought me great comfort.
I’m fully convinced that Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins (1 Peter 3:18). He also forgave us so that we would join Him in His mission to reclaim, liberate, and restore this physical world He created, which currently groans under the crushing weight of sin and decay (Romans 8:21-22).
When God finally comes back to dwell with us forever, He will fully and completely bring heaven to earth. All the broken effects of sin will be gone forever and Jesus will renew all things (Revelation 21:1-5), including the physical earth—reclaiming its original goodness (Genesis 1:31).
The profound implications of a renewed earth are too many to name here, but in the midst of grief I find much comfort in knowing that my parents (along with all of God’s forgiven and restored children) will have the rest of eternity to visit or revisit all of the “must-see destinations” the new heaven and earth will offer.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 3:1-15
More:
Read Genesis 1 and note the seven times God said that all He created was “good.”
Next:
What do you most look forward to in the new earth? How does your future hope in Jesus help you face difficulties in your life today?
stephenbabs on April 13, 2013 at 7:14 am
it’s a must place for me to see.
This article has revive the hunger for the Kingdom in me. I’m sure for HIS GRACE is sufficient as HE has said; then I will surely make it.
mike wittmer on April 13, 2013 at 2:43 pm
This is very encouraging, Jeff! Christians don’t have to check everything off their bucket list in this life, because we’ll have forever to get to it all. Great perspective!
I want to hang glide over the Grand Canyon. I think I’ll save that for the new earth as well!
Jeff Olson on April 14, 2013 at 8:53 am
Look me up, Mike…I’d be glad to join you!
jennifer benson schuldt on April 13, 2013 at 6:08 pm
Jeff,
Thank you for this message of hope. It makes me think of the verse about comforting others (2 Corinthians 1:4). Thank you for allowing God to use your grief and pain to encourage other people.
It’s a great mental field trip to try to imagine what heaven will be like…life without the curse…no night or darkness…nothing wicked…no fear…no death…unfettered beauty…no decay…no grief…perfect harmony with God.
Revelation 22:20: “Amen! Come Lord Jesus!
Tom Kopper on April 13, 2013 at 9:35 pm
This hope gives comfort to all who knows Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. They, including our love ones, who are up there with Him, waiting for us to arrive! “Come Lord Jesus, come!”