Our Hope of Heaven

I saw the new movie, I Can Only Imagine last weekend and it moved me deeply, beyond tears. It is based on the life story of Bart Millard of the popular Christian band, MercyMe, who penned the song of the same name, after the death of his father. I am sure you’ve heard the song many times, played on the radio, downloaded on your playlist, or sung in church as part of Worship. I Can Only Imagine is the best-selling Christian single of all time, with 2.5 million copies sold, and is certified triple-platinum (the only Christian song to ever reach 3x).

I think its massive popularity is because the song resonates so profoundly with people. It’s a song of hope. Our hope of heaven. It paints a striking glimpse of life after death…of heaven…of meeting Jesus face to face…HOPE. It was a favorite song for Phil throughout his heart journey, during the dark and difficult days when hope seemed to be lost, and especially toward the end of his life.

I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by your side.

I can only imagine what my eyes will see, when your face is before me.

Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of you, be still?

Will I stand, in your presence? Or to my knees, will I fall?

Will I sing, “Hallelujah!”? Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine when that day comes, when I find myself standing in the Son.

I can only imagine when all I would do, is forever worship you.

I can only imagine…I can only imagine.

Phil was not afraid to die. He just did not want to leave us, his family. It’s why he fought so hard to live another day for so many days. He knew that one day he was going to see Jesus…and his dad…and other family members already there. But not until he was good and ready. I remember one conversation he asked me how I thought it would happen. I didn’t know of course, but I told him God knows the day and the hour, and when he is ready, the Lord will meet him and welcome him home.

None of us knows what that day will look like, but we have this hope of eternal life in Christ…with Him…in heaven. It is too great for our understanding right now, and our minds cannot contain it. All we can do is imagine what it will look like. Yes, God gives us glimpses of heaven in His word, but in His wisdom, He also keeps the mystery from us while we are here in our earthly home. “For now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then, we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

Dying need not be fearful. But I say that not having touched the line between earth and heaven on my way through the veil. Phil has passed through that veil. I remember the moment as he drew away from me toward that line between heaven and earth. I watched him transition over…I heard his breath fade…I felt his heartbeat cease. I knew in that instant my Phil was with Jesus. And the room became quiet. Everything was still…light…like the burden of this life was gone…blown to the wind. Just like Jesus before him, Phil ascended to heaven. From death to new life – in the same instant! Poof! Heaven came down to the line and met my beloved, and in that moment, welcomed him home.

That was Phil’s hope before, and it is my hope today. It’s the hope of all who believe in the Son of God! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

We have the assurance from Jesus himself that “My Father’s house has many rooms…and I am going there to prepare a place for you…and I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am…and you know the way to the place where I am going…I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

And because God so loves the world, “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” and have eternal life in Him! Dear precious one, if you haven’t done so, please say “Yes! Yes, God…I want to know you. I believe in Your Son. Forgive me for going my own way. I want to follow you. I want a new life in You.” It’s that simple. Jesus gives a promise – that if you “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind – and your neighbor as yourself”, Jesus says, “You will live.”