The life of heaven contains a most remarkable fullness, but also an equally remarkable absence
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Heavenly Father, as much as we look forward to all the beauty, wonders, and perfect relationships of eternal life, we also look forward to what won’t be there. Never again will we experience death—in any form. Nothing will die—people we love, hopes we had, animals and trees we enjoy. No more goodbyes. No more losses. The only tears we will shed will be tears of uncontrollable joy. “Wiped tears” stand for the redemption of pain behind our most painful tears. Thank you, thank you, thank you, most loving Father.
What we want more than anything, we are freely and fully given in the Gospel
“We will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words” 1 Thess. 4:18
Lord Jesus, you may not be coming back as soon as I wish. Or you may return quicker than I can imagine. Either way, this is the good news. Once with you, I will be with you forever. That’s what I want more than anything else—even if I don’t realize it. It’s not people’s love, the world’s possessions, or a pain-free life I want the most. It’s you I crave and long for. The good news is, because of the Gospel, I’m already yours. My life is already hidden in you, and you indwell me by the Holy Spirit. But please hasten the Day of your return. Until then, be more real and precious to me than anything else, Jesus. In your loving name I pray, Amen.