FLYING FIRST CLASS
I glanced at my jet-lagged wife and said “yes.” On the final leg of a mission trip, I stepped up to the gate as the agent announced, “First class seats are on sale...only $50.” I hesitated, but one glance at Linda told me this would be the best hundred bucks I ever spent.
Ahh...flying first class. Extra legroom, wider seats and meticulous service. Economy can’t compare. Once when I flew coach, I squeezed into a middle seat next to a woman who fell asleep after takeoff. Slowly her head drifted over until she was leaning on my shoulder. When she awoke, she apologized profusely. Only then did I notice a circle of drool on my shoulder. Linda was amused by the incident, since she was seated next to me by the window.
But flying first class? That’s a different story. I didn't miss any of the discomfort of economy. Not for even a moment did I wish we were back in coach, potentially being drooled upon. My heart didn't pine for the narrow seats and cramped leg-room. In first class, we wallowed in luxury.
Here's what's crazy. When we think of heaven, perhaps we worry about missing aspects of life on earth. My kids once verbalized a fear that heaven would be "boring." Really? There’s nothing about earth we'll miss in heaven, any more than missing coach while flying first-class. All the features of economy are found in first-class...only so much finer! Everything we love on earth, will be magnified a million-times over in heaven, with additional surprises God has in store for us!
Think of the greatest joy you've ever experienced on earth. Our most "miserable moment" in heaven will be infinitely better. Likewise, the "ugliest" place in heaven will be millions of times more beautiful than earth's most scenic spot. C.S. Lewis referred to earth as "Shadowlands," a mere shadow of blessings to come.
Life on earth holds many joys. But it simply cannot compare to what we'll experience in Paradise. Romans 8:18 promises, “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.” In heaven, we'll be "flying first class” ...and you’ll never need to wipe drool off your shoulder.
How do you visualize heaven? What aspects of heaven do you believe will be similar to life on earth? How will it be radically different?
"Lord, fill my heart with a vision for the glories that lie ahead for your children."