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Imagine arriving in heaven and seeing Jesus for the first time! That is going to be awesome in the true sense of the word! I hear many people talking about all the people they will see or want to see when they get there. But truthfully, the first person we will want to see is going to be Jesus. It will be because of Him that we got there in the first place. He paid a huge price in order for us to get there. It is explained briefly here.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:4-11 ESV

It is hard to imagine looking Him in the eyes and being able to thank Him for what he did for me simply in salvation. But when I think of all the other things in addition? It is almost too much! There have been so many blessings that came from His hand. It’s not to say that there haven’t been times of difficulty, but the times of difficulty have paled in comparison to the blessings.

I’m reminded of the words to a song that I found comforting when my dad passed away suddenly when he was youngish (54). I think the song was a new one then (1971).

But just think of stepping on shore, and finding it heaven.
Of touching a hand, and finding it God’s.
Of breathing new air, and finding it celestial.
Of waking up in glory, and finding it home.

Don Wyrtzen (the chorus to Finally Home)

Imagine arriving at heaven and breathing the best air you have ever breathed. Imagine being welcomed by Jesus, the One who loved you more than life itself, and touching Him, realizing you are touching the hand of God–and He is your heavenly Father. It is unimaginable.

Imagine a place where you are complete and whole with Jesus. That is heaven.

Then imagine being home and feeling at home in ways you never have before. There is no longer that empty feeling in you that longs to feel loved or fulfilled. You are at home in heaven–with Jesus. Those longings you felt for something more are gone. Everything you need is there. Nothing is missing. You don’t walk away from interactions wondering if people really liked you or if they were being polite. Everyone will be genuinely kind and loving. There will be no hypocrisy or backstabbing. But I’ll talk more about that later. For now, it will be wonderful to simply see Jesus.

On this earth, I find myself way too distracted by too many things. Sadly, I can’t say that only want to think about Him. But in heaven, I won’t be distracted like I am now. My priorities will be in correct order.

 For now we see in a mirror dimly,
but then face to face.
Now I know in part;
then I shall know fully,
even as I have been fully known.

I Corinthians 13:12 ESV

Imagine a place where you will be able to look Jesus in the eye without flinching because He paid for all your sin leaving you forgiven. In His eyes, you have a clean record. You are not guilty.

Imagine being able to look Jesus in the eye end not flinch. He knows everything about you and He still loved you enough to pay for all your sin and forgive you. He knew about all of it better you were even able to admit it to yourself! Now, in heaven, you will honestly believe what the Bible said about you and Him. Yes, He truly did forgive you. Yes, it was finished at the cross. No, you don’t have to live in the world of pretend, when it comes to your sin. But in heaven, it will no longer be a factor. Your oneness with Christ will be real. You will understand how great His gift of salvation truly is.

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

Revelation 5:11-13 ESV

Imagine what these times of worship will be like? Think of the people we will worship with. Think of the fact that we will be worshipping God in person. Imagine angel choirs, no dissonant notes, no one ever hits a flat note…

We talk about times of worship here on earth. This is a taste of a time of worship in heaven. Can you even imagine? And Jesus, the Lamb of God, will be right there along with the entire Godhead, the angels, all Christians from over time. We will all be worshipping Him together.

We will be arm and arm with Adam and Eve, Abraham, Elijah, the Prophets, the Apostles, those who were martyred for their faith and the ordinary, everyday Christians from every tribe and nation. It is going to be an amazing time. In the middle of all of it? Jesus will be there. And all of us will be worshipping Him, thanking Him for what He did for us in our one heavenly language that we will all understand for eternity.