Heavenly Predictions

"“We want more than this world's got to offer; We want more than the wars of our fathers; And everything inside screams for second life, yeah; We were meant to live for so much more; Have we lost ourselves? Somewhere we live inside.” — "Meant to Live," Switchfoot

I feel like I've been confronted with the concept of heaven a lot in the last year. When doing a class on the End Times, I felt it was crucial that the last installment be about Heaven. Then, when doing the last round of Faith in Film, heaven came up again — this time as we looked at the worldly outlook presented in "What Dreams May Come."

But it hasn't just been my little world that's been touched by this discussion. Rob Bell released a book last year that examined the idea of heaven, hell, and who goes where. Then, of course, there's a little book that's been really popular called "Heaven Is For Real."

The book is non-fiction... sort of. It is a true story of one pastor in Nebraska, his family, and the crisis that almost claimed the life of his son. During that time of crisis, his son had a miraculous experience of his own. He visited heaven. When he came back, he shared what he had seen with his family and they, in turn, have shared it with the world.

Reading the book on a cross-country flight, two things stuck out to me immediately. First, the passionate telling of the story of faith in crisis from the perspective of a parent that has trouble not feeling angry with God is powerful. Todd Burpo, the father and minister who wrote the book, is a gifted storyteller. What I admired and identified with most was the earnest, emotional descriptions of his struggle during those times as a man and as a believer.

Second, it's fascinating how a story like this can impact people. The other thing I was struck by is the way that telling this story has influenced others and brought them to faith. I've always known that God can use anything to move hearts and minds — at least I've been able to rationally process that — but it's inspiring to hear genuine stories about that. Even when they come wrapped in a fashion as unbelievable as the events of this book.

That leads me to what I couldn't escape when reading the story — my personal doubt. Not of the journey of faith for Todd Burpo and his family. Not of the medical facts in the case. But of the descriptions, questions, answers, and theology in the book.

Now, nothing is impossible for God. It's possible every word of this is a divine revelation. But, I guess I've always been somewhat of a skeptic. Rainbows, colored horses, warrior angels and even Satan himself was a bit too much for me.\

But that brings me back to the way it's inspired others. Whether I am inspired or believe it or not, this story seems to be helping others come to faith in a new way. Which reminds me of what heaven really is and really represents — hope.

I don't honestly know what I think heaven will be like, but I know it will be a far greater place than this. The Bible promises that. “No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.” — Revelations 22:3-5.

We all need that hope. Some get it from the vision of a little child who survived a near fatal medical condition. As long as that hope is rooted in Jesus Christ, and His promises of life everlasting, we know we're on the right track.