High Peaks of Heaven

Do you think that Heaven has mountains? That’s the question I asked my wife a short while ago, while we both walked across the famous Sky Bridge above Gatlinburg, TN. She replied, “I’m not sure.” After a brief pause and another quick scan of the landscape before me I said, “I bet it does.” There is a certain mystery about Heaven that makes it hard to even begin to describe what it must be like. Scripture tells us that no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor heart of man imagined what God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9). The only way to describe it is to say that it is and will be indescribable! I find it odd that most Christians I know don’t talk more about Heaven. And by “talk about it” I mean really thinking through what it will be like. Do we share thoughts with our friends and family about what we think we might see, what we might experience in the presence of God’s glory? Just because we can’t imagine what the fulfillment of our salvation will ultimately be like, does that mean we shouldn’t at least try?

The apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Philippi says, “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” (Philippians 1:23). To me, that sounds like someone who spent a lot of time pondering Heaven and the intimacy found there with Jesus. My thoughts of heaven have changed through the years as I have grown to understand more about the Lord and the ultimate prize of salvation. My hope is that my thoughts will continue to change as God performs the ongoing work of shaping my heart to resemble his. Being an outdoorsman, I used to primarily think of Heaven as a place filled to the brim with wild game of all kinds. Canvasback ducks would fill the air and my ears would never be void of gobbling turkeys, bugling elk, or mourning doves cooing in the cool of the morning. I could almost smell the cedar planks that would line the floors and walls of my modest cabin where I would savor the beauties around me after endless days of exploring the vast river systems that meander through eternity.

Christ himself has said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2). I still like to think that my room in Heaven will look something like the description above, but even if it doesn’t my heart will no less rejoice in the greatness of what awaits me there. I firmly believe that Heaven will be a place of vast and awe inducing landscapes. I think there will be mountains, rolling hills, winding rivers, along with diverse forests, marshes, and plains. I believe it will be a place for believers to reunite with the ones they loved who went ahead in the race towards glory. I have joy and much anticipation at the thought of all these things. However, the ultimate gain of Heaven is not high mountain peaks, abundant game, or family reunions. It will be having unlimited and uninhibited access to the Father and Christ Jesus, his Son.

Any other view of Heaven where God is less than the ultimate prize must be reevaluated. My thoughts on Heaven have changed and I pray they continue to change. If I anticipate mountain tops and slow moving rivers, then let it be only in the context of enjoying those by my savior’s side. If I walk along forest roads, then let my savior lead the way. If I reside in a homely cabin of cedar, then let my front porch gaze upon the throne of God almighty. If I once again embrace the ones I loved in life, then may we all join together in singing God’s greatness. In every way let my prize be my creator.

I look forward to Heaven. I look forward to fellowship with Jesus on those mountain tops. I look forward to our walks along the river. I look forward to praising His name for all eternity. Everything else is just an added bonus. To know him fully and see him glorious is the greatest joy of our life to come. While in this life I may long for the next, there is still good to be done here and grace to be given. Even though Paul longed for Christ and to be with him in Heaven, he still says to the Philippians and to us, “but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” (Philippians 1:24). Our life here is no waste of time. It is a gift that we might make much of Jesus and take part in the purpose of making him known, that he may continue to bring many sons and daughters to glory (Hebrews 2:10).

I hope you think through what Heaven will be like and how you will personally talk, walk, and live with Jesus, but don’t wait for Heaven to fellowship with him. Get to know him more now and your entry through Heaven’s gates will be that much sweeter. Delight in God now, that you might savor him more in Heaven. Sing his praises now, so we can sing louder once we are before him. Love his word now because he has said it will never fade (Matthew 24:35). Tell others what the Lord puts on your heart. In doing so, I believe we give him more glory. He is the goal. He is the gain. May he continue to be our life and mission until he again comes down or raises us up.

I want to know you Jesus. My heart longs for Heaven, but let it long for you more. Yes, we know our life to come will be abundant, but let your will be done here and now as well. On Earth as it is in Heaven.

By your grace and for your glory,

Amen.