Daydreaming about Heaven

“When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, ‘We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.’” Acts 11:18 (NLT)

My pastor in Florida is Jewish. One Sunday, he looked out at his congregation of 30 plus years and said, “You look at me and wonder how I could be saved. I look out at you and wonder how you could be saved!”

He has a point. The gospel was given to the Jews. They never fathomed it could be offered to the Gentiles.

Until it was.

The good news of salvation through Jesus Christ is offered to all.

Sometimes, without even realizing it, I think something like, They don’t deserve salvation. Or, They could never be saved.

That is when I forget the passage in Romans 5:10 that states,

"For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son." (NLT)

I was an enemy of Christ. Running from Him.

Until He saved me.

How could I look down on someone else because they are a different culture or color?

I like to imagine what heaven will be like. I especially like to think about the music. I have a feeling we will be shocked by it. Of course, "The Hallelujah Chorus" will be there. Along with "The Old Rugged Cross". But I tend to think there will be African music accompanied only by a drum—perhaps from the 15^th century.

Or a tiny chorus with no rhyme, sung by a saint who sat alone in a dark prison cell awaiting execution. We have probably never heard of them, but we will in heaven.

And when we gather for worship there, it will be like Revelation 7:9,

“After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.” (NLT)

That will be marvelous.

Lord, help me never to look down on others or think I am better. Thank You that while I was Your enemy, You saved me!

Copyright © 2019 Pauline Hylton, used with permission.