Men dream of paradise. Idyllic images of beauty and peace occupy our thoughts. But wistful longing is no substitute for the steadfast hope that is ours in Christ. Troubled disciples were encouraged to believe in better things at Christ’s return (Jn. 14:1-3). With minds set on better things, we sing about “treasures…laid up, somewhere beyond the blue.”
Storing up treasures for self does not make us “rich toward God” (Lk. 12:21). In fact, material prosperity can make it difficult to dream about heaven. This is because, lurking in the weeds of material prosperity are great dangers – ingratitude, worldliness, and pride.
In many respects, first-century circumstances differ from present-day experience. Abject poverty was common place. For almost everyone, hardship was a way of life. For those who embraced Christ, persecution was a real threat. We can understand why John’s description of heaven would have been especially meaningful to every first-century believer. Imagine a place where every harmful and painful influence would be banished forever! (Rev. 7:16-17).
There are difficult and troublesome times in our day as well. Though many of our struggles seem mild by comparison to what was endured by our first-century brothers and sisters in Christ, they still pose a threat to our spiritual well-being. Even subtle and indirect forms of persecution create opportunities for compromise, leading to spiritual ruin. For that reason, we must strive with even greater diligence to keep our focus on that better place where all of life’s injustices will be righted once for all and where true joy abides forever. Heaven is not a place we stumble upon by accident or blind luck. It is not a place found through our own intellect or strength. It is God’s gracious reward for obedient trust in Him.
— Glen Elliott —