Jack Hibbs: In His Heavenly Presence
2 Corinthians 5:8 reads, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”
When death comes to the unbelieving man, it strips him of earthly comforts; his hopes vanish with his last breath. That thought is scary to some, but to those whose destination is heaven, it fills their minds and hearts with a “fullness of joy” foreign to this life.
The enjoyment of heaven’s sights, sounds, and experiences is the Father’s good pleasure for His children. Untethered from these earthly bodies, our new bodies await—perfect, clothed with immortality, untainted by anything of this life. No more sin, no more sorrow, no more pain, only unadulterated freedom to worship and to live as God intended.
Imagine, basking in the warmth of God’s brilliance, reveling in the nearness of His presence. In heaven, the glory of God will be our illumination, the Lamb our light. With fear and deceit vanquished and darkness and shadows gone, we will see clearly. And oh, what glorious things we will hear! Does your singing sound a bit off-key? It won’t be in heaven. There you will join together with the redeemed from every kindred tribe and tongue—your songs of praise rising as “the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings” (Revelation 19:6). What sweet fellowship you will share!
This Earth is but a temporary residence. Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you…that where I am, you may be also” (John 14:3). Your meeting with the risen Savior may come sooner than anticipated. Make sure that you have the assurance of salvation and of heaven today.
