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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: JOURNEY (01/13/22)
When I was a young child I asked my mother about Heaven. I wanted to know if our bodies would be pink. I don’t recall her complete answer, but she assured me that if that was important to me, I would have a pink body.

As I grew older, I knew the afterlife was more than just floating around, but I didn’t dwell too much on the specifics of Heaven. I wanted to go there—after living a long life—not only to actually see Jesus, but because there wasn’t a good alternative.

I was intrigued with near-death experiences that I read about. It seemed that most had to do with seeing a tunnel and a bright light. Though those reporting the experiences meant well, and were often changed for life, not many of the stories ‘rang true’ for me. I wanted specifics backed up by Scripture.

It wasn’t until I was well into my midlife years that I ran across a book that has drastically changed my perception and anticipation of Heaven. It was written by Randy Alcorn, and is appropriately titled, ‘Heaven’. He suggests that satan, knowing he will never inherit Heaven, would have us think of Heaven as boring and nothing like our earthly existence. For if we are not anticipating Heaven, then we will be more focused on this present life, and will not be as motivated to share our faith. Why would we encourage others to share a place with us that we are not really excited about going to ourselves?

As I read this book and studied the cited Scriptures, my whole outlook began to change. I believe worship will be a large part of Heaven. However, I think it will encompass more than sitting on a cloud, playing a harp. As I look at worship in the Scriptures, I see that it encompasses adoration, singing, the playing of instruments, large choirs, and dancing. How rich these times of worship will be as the songs, dances, and instruments of various cultures are performed before Christ our King.

As I read my Bible, I am more convinced that time in Heaven will be spent on pursuing activities that we enjoy here on earth. I envision spending time with those I have met while passing through life. I dream of serving meals and catching up on the part of their lives I missed. I have many friends and acquaintances that I grew to love after my parents were no longer with us. I want my parents to meet them. I also look forward to spending time with women I have met in the Scriptures.

When God talked to Moses about building the Tabernacle, He spoke of equipping certain men with “skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts”. In Heaven, I think we will continue to use the skills, abilities, and knowledge that we were given here on earth. Surely, we will continue to learn new things, as well.

I am enthralled with references to animals being a part of Heaven—camels, the wolf, lambs, lions, horses, goats, and bears to name just a few. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Heaven has some we never saw or heard of before.

I get very excited when reading about the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21 describes the city as being a 1400-mile (2200 kilometers) cube with walls and gates that are never closed. There will be trees and fruit, as well as streets with a river flowing down the middle. Verse 24 of that chapter declares that nations and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into the city. And, since it is a city, couldn’t we assume that there will be shops, cultural activities, music, and entertainment just like cities that we are familiar with?

My concept of Heaven has been like a journey, I intend to continue my search and progress even further. I haven’t found any Scripture references for pink bodies, but I have found mention of white robes being worn in Heaven. (Rev 6:11, Rev 7:9). Who knows what I will discover as I continue my quest!



NIV Psalm 150, Isaiah 25:6, Matthew 8:11, Isaiah 60:6, Isaiah 65:25, Exodus 31:3-11, Revelation 6:2-8

Alcorn, Randy, 2004, Eternal Perspectives Ministries, Tyndall Momentum, IL
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
01/27/22
I could really relate to this. I've had a death phobia my entire life because of many of the things you mentioned. As a kid, I thought Heaven would be boring like church seemed to me as a little girl. I too focused on new death experiences and actually had almost one over 10 years ago that added to my perspective. You've done a great job of pulling me in right away and you make the reader stop and think which is always good. Congratulations on ranking 11th overall. Happy Dance!