Sounds of Heaven

And rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

—R OMANS 5: 2

We have considered the seven treasures of grace from the first few verses of Chapter 5 of Romans. We have considered the treasures of the declaration of righteousness and the access to God. Grace also blesses us with the promise of Heaven. We get glimpses of what heaven will be like that can sustain us in a world that often reminds us that it is not our home.

It’s like a music box that has the enticing melody of a far country, one that lies ahead. A music box is only a simple piece of machinery; it cannot suggest what the full orchestra can produce. But it is a reminder, and our imagination does the rest. This is a fine treasure indeed— a treasure that offers hope— and the traveler cherishes it. Jeremiah, David (2006-03-07). Captured by Grace: No One Is Beyond the Reach of a Loving God (p. 89). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition

Our frustration with earth increases as the end draws near. On Sunday our senior pastor announced a teaching series for men whom he described as the only hope for our nation. Men surely need to be better. Men who become more like Christ will certainly bless the world around them. As for the big picture, our world will never approach heaven until Christ reigns. It’s not going to get better; it’s just going to get worse. As we become more like Christ, we will serve as starker contrasts to a world that’s fading fast.

I think it’s all part of God’s plan. As we age our bodies deteriorate. We get weaker. Our beauty fades. All of this serves to remind us of what’s important: the spirit and the things of God. Our worsening world serves the same function. As the end draw nears, it reminds us more loudly that this is not our home. The sounds of heaven call us more intensely. The glimpse and the promise are more precious as the end draws near.

Last week while in California, I took a ride along the Pacific Highway. It’s one of those places that God gives us to allow us to glimpse into what heaven will be like. I planned only a short ride but the beauty of scenic vista after vista, kept me driving for far longer than I had planned. I didn’t want to stop looking, all the while thinking if God can do this here on this planet, how glorious indeed must be the place He has been preparing for 2000 years.

Look for the signs, listen for the sounds. For those who have Christ, Heaven is real.