Did you ever wonder what heaven was going to be like, or at least look like? Our scripture today will give you a glimpse into that eternal city.
Revelation 21:10-12
And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Now do you know what heaven will look like? Probably not. I have studied those verses and still have no confidence in telling you exactly what heaven will look like.
Many years ago I read a fascinating story that seems relevant about this question. It told the story of a farmer from the middle of Kansas who went to New York City. None of his family had ever been to the big city and so went he got back, the family all gathered around. “Dad, did you see any skyscrapers?” He told them he had and they asked, “What did they look like?
Since they had never no reference for a skyscraper, he said, “Well, they are tall and skinny.” He paused, then continued, “You know that silo on the Mr. Jones farm? Well, it is just like that, only about 10 times as tall.”
The family felt that they understood what the skyscraper looked like, but you and I know they did not.
I’ve read the text, but I really, really don’t know what heaven will look like. But, it will be a wonderful surprise.
Lonnie Davis