TheShepherd’sCall

by Dr. H. Wade Paris

He Is With Jesus Now

Some good friends of ours lost their only child, a son. He was only 51 years old. His clothes caught fire while cooking, and he burned to death---a real tragedy for the family.

I was asked to conduct the funeral because I was instrumental in their son becoming a Christian during Vacation Bible School. I accepted the invitation with a mixture of feelings. I felt inadequate to comfort my friends. I have not experienced what they were going through. On the other hand, I could tell them with confidence that their son was in heaven because I was present when he accepted the Lord. That truth was the best comfort I could give.

Jesus promised to prepare a place for those who accept Him. He said, “I am going to prepare a place so where I am you may be also.”

(John 14:1-3)

It is common for folk to describe heaven as having golden streets and pearly gates. That pres- ents a beautiful picture; and, no doubt, heaven is beautiful. However, the problem with describing heaven is twofold:

(1) Apart from John’s report in Revelation 21, we have no firsthand accounts. No one has returned from heaven to tell us about it. (2) The second problem is found in the human language. We do not have the words to describe heaven’s beauty, even if we knew what it is like. Even John’s words in Revelation are “this worldly” and limited.

So, what should we say of heaven’s beauty? It is a place where we will know God, our Creator, even as we are known by Him. God told John that in heaven, “God will dwell with His people. God himself will be with them and be their God.” And that is what makes heaven beautiful--the perfect presence of God.

Think about it, what greater words of comfort could I give my friends than to say, “Your son is with Jesus now.”