You will see heaven opened

You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.

When you think about the future, how do you feel?   If you’re looking forward to a family wedding or the arrival of a new baby, you might be very excited.   If you’re not sure you have enough cash to cover your bills next month or you’re awaiting the results of a high-stakes medical test, you might be anxious.   Our view of the future is often colored by what we are experiencing in the present.

Our hope in the future with God in heaven is also affected by what we believe now.   After Nathanael’s declaration that Jesus was the “Son of God” and the “King of Israel,” Jesus said Nathanael would one day see him in glory surrounded by the angels in heaven (John 1:49).   That privileged glimpse into the future was predicated on the present—Nathanael’s belief in Jesus.

Nathanael could make that statement of faith because he was so amazed that Jesus saw into his heart, even though they had just met.   In that moment, Nathanael knew he was known and loved by God.

That’s why it’s important for us to continually reaffirm our faith.   If we doubt that Jesus knows us as well as he knew Nathanael, or if we wonder how he could love us, then we may not be so sure that we will even make it to heaven.   We may even think we don’t deserve to live with Jesus forever.

So follow Nathanael’s lead and make your own declaration of faith.   Every day, repeat to yourself, “God has known me before I was born.   He loves me more than anyone else could.   He longs to spend eternity with me.”

Over time, as you internalize these truths, your perspective on the future will change.   You’ll begin to look forward to that day in heaven when you finally see Jesus face-to-face.   Can you imagine standing before the throne of God, with his angels and archangels “ascending and descending,” just as Jesus promised (John 1:51)?

Heaven is filled with God’s saints and angels, and God wants you to join them.   For us who believe, the future couldn’t look brighter!

Word Among Us