Being on a college campus each day is delightful, not only because I have a captive audience that has to listen to my views, but because I get to listen in on students who know everything. Just today I sat quietly listening to two theology students arguing about what we will be like in heaven. One proposed we will be spiritual beings and the other was adamant that we will be as human there as we are here, only perfect. I enjoyed their conviction and surety that they knew.
I was tempted to share I John 3:2 with them but I held my peace. I did not want to spoil the party with John’s counsel. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; . . .” I guess I was so amused because when I was young I too knew everything about God and heaven.
I do like the idea that whatever we will be, we will for sure be like Jesus. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with Jesus’ generosity. He seems not to want to “Lord it over us” even though He is Lord. In Romans 8 we are promised we will be co-heirs of the kingdom. In Revelation 3 we are promised we shall sit with Him on His throne. In Philippians 1 we are told He never hesitated to become one of us. He is a selfless friend.
So whatever we shall be, it will be wonderful!
Written by Roger Bothwell on November 11, 2003
Spring of Life, 901 Signorelli Circle, St. Helena, CA 94574