Have You Packed for Eternity?

Heaven Is Real

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-4 (KJV)

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

Recently, I have found myself thinking a great deal about travelling to new places. The thought of experiencing different cultures, seeing breathtaking scenery, and creating lasting memories is exciting. Yet, every trip requires careful planning. I think about the cost, whether my passport is current, if I need a visa, what I should pack, where I will stay, and who will accompany me on the journey.

Preparing for a trip takes time and intentional effort. The more important the destination, the more careful we are to ensure everything is in place before we leave.

Then a thought came to me. How much time have I spent preparing for the greatest journey I will ever take?

Many of us spend months planning a vacation or a business trip, but how often do we think about our journey to heaven? It is the one destination that matters more than any other, yet it is often the one for which people prepare the least.

The Bible assures us that heaven is not an imaginary place or a comforting idea. It is real. The apostle John was given a glimpse of that glorious home. He saw a new heaven and a new earth where God Himself will dwell with His people forever. There will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying, and no more pain. Every effect of sin will be gone, and every tear will be wiped away by the loving hand of God.

Before travelling internationally, we make sure we have the proper documents. Without a valid passport or the required visa, our journey cannot begin. In the same way, no one enters heaven through wealth, education, family heritage, or good works. Entrance is possible only through Jesus Christ. He has already paid the price for our salvation, and those who place their faith in Him have the assurance of eternal life.

Another important consideration is who will travel with us. What joy it will be to be reunited with faithful loved ones, to fellowship with the redeemed from every nation and generation, and above all, to walk in the presence of Jesus Christ, the One who made heaven possible.

Every earthly trip eventually comes to an end. The suitcase is unpacked, the photographs are stored away, and life returns to its routine. Heaven will be different. Its beauty will never fade, its joy will never diminish, and our fellowship with God will never end.

As we continue making plans for the places we hope to visit on this earth, let us never neglect to prepare for the place that will be our eternal home. Heaven is real. Jesus is preparing a place for His people, and one day He will come to take us there.

The question is not whether heaven exists. The question is whether we are preparing to go.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on our eternal home as we faithfully journey through this life. May we never become so occupied with earthly destinations that we neglect preparing for heaven. Keep us faithful until the day we see You face to face. In Jesus' name, Amen.