Is Heaven Real? How Can We See Jesus?

 

                                                A clear view of heaven… and Jesus

A well-respected young man, he devoted his time and energy to the church food drive. This was Stephen of the first century church, on fire with the Holy Spirit and wise for God. The apostles laid hands on him and six of his co-workers. Stephen received his calling with humility and, forged ahead, performing miracles and signs among the people. Yet the Synagogue of the Freedmen violently objected when he preached the good news about Jesus..

     “Listen, Jesus of Nazareth said he would destroy the temple and raise it in three days.”

   “You blasphemer! How dare you despise God’s holy temple and speak against Moses, our lawgiver?”

 They dragged Stephen before the high court and forced him into the witness stand. 

His face glowed as bright as an angel, and to their astonishment, he ignored them, unfazed; If they condemned him to death, it didn’t matter to Stephen. His destination was Heaven, and he clung to his faith in Jesus, his Savior and Friend. 

 The judge questioned him. “What is your defense? Are these charges true?”

“Brothers and fathers, our glorious God appeared to our ancestor and by faith he travelled into the unknown…” Read Acts 7

 At every point in his defense, Stephen glorified God, highlighting Abraham’s inheritance, God’s promise of a great nation, and an eternal future. Joseph had relied on God, and Moses led Israel out of oppression and through the wilderness, even while they disobeyed and insulted God by worshipping a golden calf. He still led them into the Promised Land, where Solomon eventually built the Temple.

 Stephen's accusers thought he’d cast aspersions on the temple of God, but defended himself by quoting from Isaiah, the prophet.  

“God doesn’t live in temples that men have built. ‘Heaven is my throne and the earth my footstool.’” Isaiah 66:1.

 Despite God’s faithfulness, Israel had defied the God of their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. With deep conviction, Stephen attacked their most outrageous act of violence. 

"Your ancestors killed the prophets, who predicted the Messiah, and worst of all, when he appeared, you crucified him, Jesus Christ, God’s beloved Son. As for God’s law, you have defied the actual law you pretend to uphold."         

The court erupted in fury, shaking their fists, but as Stephen contemplated Jesus on the cross, he lifted his eyes to heaven.

“Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man is standing in the place of honor, at God’s right hand.”

This same despised and rejected Man, now stood honored by Israel’s God in the eternal temple.

Such a claim was scandalous for the court. They blocked their ears, rushed at Stephen, dragged him from the city and stoned him. Do as they willed; Stephen’s gaze never flickered from the face of his Savior. His voice rang out above the assault.

 “Lord, receive my spirit!”

 As the rocks pelted his back, he shouted even louder for God’s mercy towards his attackers.  

 “Lord, don’t lay this sin to their charge!” 

And so he died.

      I’ve asked myself why Stephen boldly persisted with his defense. How did he remain steadfast in the face of such torrid opposition? I’ve concluded Stephen had a clear view of Jesus standing in heaven, ready to welcome him home. Just as Abraham expected a permanent city, whose builder and maker was God, so Stephen, through eyes of faith, looked to Jesus for strength, and was content to leave the outcome of his trial to God because he loved Jesus and had unconditionally committed his life to his Savior and Lord. This world’s persecution would fade into the past when he entered his heavenly home.

   Stephen’s faith journey began long before his trial. He had served the Lord Jesus, supported widows and performed miracles. Every victory, service, and achievement for his Lord deepened his convictions. He underpinned every day with prayer and followed Jesus’ example, even to his death

   When Jesus breathed his last, he also called on his Father to forgive his accusers. Why did Jesus travel the road of persecution with unswerving perseverance? Like Stephen, he fixed his gaze on the ultimate: the joy set before him. The shame of his accusers meant nothing compared to his reward, his honorable place at God’s right hand. And most of all, He loved us enough to die on our behalf for our sins.

 Do I enjoy a clear view of heaven? Can I see Jesus at the Father’s right hand, ever interceding for me? ‘The things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.’

  Let’s set our minds on heaven, seeking direction for our earthly walk from our Heavenly Father: a walk that honors him.

  Have severe trials and problems blocked your vision of heaven? Jesus seems far away, and the future is littered with uncertainty. Uncertain without Jesus, but safe when we rest in his arms. He wants you to rely on him while he trains and refines you. We are not to despise the Lord’s discipline. He is flexing our spiritual muscles and building our spiritual physique. Yes, it is painful, but suffering is unavoidable in the human journey; he has endured more. Whatever the outcome, he is transforming us into his perfect image. If we love Jesus, don’t we want to be like him?

   If you don’t love Jesus and haven’t repented of your sins, heaven is a foreign destination. Do you realize it’s glorious: a home glittering with gold where God’s perfect love reigns supreme? There are no sorrows or pain. Revelation 21:4. This is what we yearn for, isn’t it? Love, peace and security. Our sins and failures have broken our relationship with God, but he has accepted Jesus’ death as payment. Romans 6:23. I urge you to ask him to forgive you and to commit yourself to him forever.

 If you know him, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, never relying on your own understanding. In all you do, acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.’

Proverbs 3:5-6.

 While you stand with truth on your side, aware your conscience is clear before your accusers, Jesus is in heaven, and he is supporting your battles. Devote time to prayer and always uphold his honor. Whatever the result, God is preparing you for his service if you give him all the glory amidst the pain. He placed you where you are. Just keep your eyes on heaven, your eternal home, because life is a journey and heaven is your destination.