August 27, 2019
The Backdrop of Heaven
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
There are many rooms in my Father's house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you (John 14:2).
Friend to Friend
Heaven.
These days my thoughts seem to be centered on Heaven.
I know why.
Two good friends have recently gone there. One after a long battle with cancer and another very suddenly.
I have been following Christ for many years. I know that part of my eternal heritage is the promise of Heaven. But now that I am closer to the end of my journey here on earth than I am to the beginning, Heaven is becoming more important – and more real in my heart and mind than ever before.
I wonder what Heaven looks like. The Bible says there are streets of gold and that precious diamonds are mounted in the walls of heaven. What a beautiful sight that will be!
I wonder who will be there. I know Jesus will be there – and that is more than enough. But the Bible tells us that there will be angels and other believers. Friends and family members are waiting for us there. I don’t know about you, but I am hoping for a big welcome home party when I get there!
What kind of body will I have in Heaven? I am really expecting a major improvement over the one I have now! And the Bible says I will get just that – a perfect body. But I will still be me, capable of emotions and feelings and recognizable to everyone.
As questions like these constantly flood my mind and heart, my curiosity about Heaven is changing the way I live here on Earth. It should. I need to live every moment of every day against the backdrop of Heaven.
Our son Jered was a beautiful baby. One Easter I took him to Sears for their annual “Get a million pictures for $2.99” deal. Expecting the studio to be crowded, I was met by one bored photographer thrilled to see his first customers. Jered always loved having his picture taken and put on quite a show. After the advertised special pictures were done, the photographer asked, “Listen, I don’t have any appointments today and really need some new pictures for wall displays. Would you mind if I took more pictures of Jered?” What mother is going to say, “No thank you! I don’t want my child’s face plastered on every wall of this studio?” Not this proud mama! We went to work.
The photographer handed me a box of clothes, asking me to choose several different outfits for Jered. First came the tuxedo. No – I am not kidding you. The photographer pulled down a silver backdrop, making Jered’s curly, black hair stand out and his blue eyes dance. Next came the blue snowsuit against a red backdrop. With every backdrop, Jered’s appearance changed – and an eternal truth lodged in my heart.
As daughters of the King, we have a different backdrop for every life experience. It is a manger, a cruel cross, an empty tomb – and eternity itself. That backdrop changes everything. It makes our hearts sing and our souls dance with the truth that we can get through anything with the promise of Heaven forever in front of us.
Let’s Pray
Father, please help me to live each moment with Heaven on my mind. Help me share my faith freely. Teach me to serve You whole-heartedly. Thank You for the promise of Heaven!
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
If you knew you would die and go to Heaven tomorrow, how would you live today? Would you make different choices? Would you spend your time differently? How would you tell people around you that they can one day join you in Heaven? Live each day against the backdrop of Heaven.
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