When you think of that beautiful celestial city, thoughts of grandeur come to mind. You think of those pearly gates. The street of gold accompanies your thoughts also. No matter how beautiful you can picture in your mind’s eye the beauty of heaven, its true majesty of it escapes you.
In fact, all the physical beauty of heaven pales in comparison to the fact that Jesus will be there. It is His presence that makes that heavenly place so wonderful. “We talk about gates of pearl and street of gold and walls of jasper, and we are thrilled; but those things would not be attractive if Jesus were not there. His presence is what will make heaven such a grand place” (Paul Rees). Of all the beauty in heaven, the ultimate beauty is that heaven is where Jesus abides.
Jesus told His disciples that He was going to depart from earth and leave them. The disciples were troubled. Jesus tells them not to be troubled and that the separation will only be temporary. He tells them, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3). Jesus knows the disciples are saddened by His departure, but affirms them that the departure is only temporary. He will ascend to heaven to prepare their heavenly home.
When life gets tough here on earth, be encouraged that Jesus is preparing a place for you in heaven. He is making a home in heaven fit exactly the way that Jesus designs it. Know that if Jesus is the designer, your heavenly home will be exactly perfect for you.
Be encouraged that right now Jesus is making your home in that celestial city. His presence there makes all the difference in the world.
