Shadowlands
September 23rd, 2008 Posted in encouragement, family, questions, sermons
Montana sky (Photo by Christopher Laurie, 2008).
So what helps me through it all this difficult process of mourning and grieving over my son?
Thinking about heaven helps a lot. I think a lot about what my son is doing in heaven. For me, heaven is more personal and real now, and it is nearer than it has ever been before.
We have heard it lamely said, “They are so heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good!” I would suggest that far too many today are so “earthly-minded, they are no heavenly good!”
Keep seeking heaven
We need to know more about heaven!
Why? Paul tells us in Colossians 3:1-2: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (NIV).
As Randy Alcorn points out in his book, Heaven, to “set your minds” speaks of a diligent, active, single-minded investigation. That is a good description of what I have been doing of late.
Sadly, many of us go through a whole day, or even a week, without one thought of heaven. The verb used in Colossians 3:1-2 is also in the present tense “KEEP SEEKING HEAVEN.”
So we all need to be more “heavenly-minded.” Warren Wiersbe said, “For the Christian, Heaven isn’t simply a Destination; it’s a Motivation.”
But we often wonder, “What is heaven like?”
Let me begin by saying Heaven is an actual place. Jesus said, “I have gone to prepare a place for you.”
We often think of Heaven in a “mystical way.” Clouds, more clouds, and people floating around. Sounds boring! That is not the biblical heaven, but the heaven of Hollywood or cartoons.
The Bible uses many images, ideas, and words to describe heaven.
Heaven is described as paradise
Remember, Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” Paul said the same thing when he went to heaven: “It was paradise!” It is a word that is describing “Walled Gardens,” like the King of Persia would have.
Heaven is described as a city
Hebrews 11:10 tells us this city has God as both the Architect and Builder. Hebrews 13:14 says, “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come” (NIV). Cities have buildings, culture, art, music, goods, services, and events.
Heaven is described as a country
Hebrews 11:16 says, “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” (NKJV).
A Country, A City, A Garden, Paradise
We tend to think of Earth as the real thing, and heaven as the surreal thing. In reality, it’s the other way around. That is why C.S.Lewis described Earth as “The Shadowlands.”
Earth is the temporary place where we decide our eternal destiny. It is not home; heaven is.
Heaven is real
Heaven is paradise, a city, a country. Heaven is real. And for you who have loved ones that have gone before you, you need to know that is where they are right now.
Yes, we miss them so badly. But thank God they are in this place that we will soon be joining them in.
Until then, let’s all try to be a lot more “heavenly-minded!”
I just wanted to add a few words here that no one may ever read. Somehow, from Canada, I came across Harvest ministry and Greg Laurie. It wasn’t long til I discovered the very great loss of his son Christopher.
I love this post so much. It is true that grieving does get harder, for a long time – before it eases (somewhat). My only sister died in a car accident in June 1999, and my life has forever been severed into two parts – before and after June 12, 1999. And, I have lost both my elderly parents since then, and Greg is right. There is no comparison to the grief and loss, when the death is untimely, sudden, and simply incomprehensible. It has been 13 years for me now, and the pain of grief has certainly eased. I know I will see her again, she and I are both believers in Jesus – it’s not hat we grieve for, it is the here and now loss – that only gets farther away with each passing day. I found a grace in it tho. It is true that ‘blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted’. Many times, tho deep in hard pain, I also felt such sweet, holy comfort. God is always and forever good.
I’ve been meaning to write to you. To tell you that your articles and you radio broadcast and your web site, and even your Long Island rally have all helped me considerably. When I forst started listening to you, I didn’t even know that christopher was your son. However, your radio broadcast literally kept me going when I felt like giving up. I too, know my friend is in Heaven, and I too can’t wait to see him, as you feel about Christopher. I find your story and you insights to be and amazingly uplifting assistance on my journey……………
Pastor Greg,
God bless you. Regardless of the pain and sadness you are going through, you are able by the grace of GOD to let us see the wonders of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am going to have some tests done and I am concerned but the CT of my pancreas, liver and bladder came out good. Thanks for reminding us about Heaven. Yes we often forget that it’s where we will be forever and it’s a better place. Jesus is there and He is more than enough.
God bless you and His wife and everyone in the family . You can count on our prayers, the family of Christ. May God continue to give you all the grace you need to keep on doing is work.
God bless you,
Your sister in Christ, Mary
We are still praying for you and all of your family. You are precious in our hearts.
Aww, I love you, Greg:) Before my mom went to be with Jesus, we would talk about what heaven was like a lot. I miss her so much, but I know I’ll see her again there.
It’s such a comforting thought. I love to think of heaven.:)
Hugz and Blessings,
Becky
P.S. My daughter has been going through a rough time lately and she plays your podcasts at night for comfort. Thank you.
Pastor Greg,
Another spectacular picture..thank you for sharing them. Thinking and praying for you and your family every day. Thank you again, for being so open and honest with your feelings and emotions…it has helped me understand how to better deal with my friend who still grieves the loss of her mother who passed almost a year ago. You are all loved!
Hugs & Blessings,
Amy
Dear Greg Laurie,
I am writting to you to let you know just how much I love you and your family. I feel that you are part of my family. I listen to you every day on podcast.
I am sorry for the temporary separation of you and your son. I know that you two will soon see each other. I thank the Lord for you and your ministry every day.
Love,
Brenda Valderrama from Chula Vista, California
Pastor Greg and Family,
LOVE YA!!!!
Dear Pastor Greg,
I just want to say that I am continuing to lift you and your family up in prayer. God brings all of you to my mind over and over.
Your messages are also so uplifting. The other day as I was driving to work, your message on the radio was exactly what I needed to hear that morning about stress and anxiety. God just provided it and it was so specific, step by step, how to apply the Word. I sat in my car to catch all of it after I got there.
Thank you for sharing these messages on heaven. It takes our focus off of the here and now and puts it back where it should be. May God continue to give you His peace as you walk through this incredible valley that I cannot even fathom. I just know that Jesus is hurting right with you, and has not forgotten you.
God Bless you,
Candace
Hi Pastor Greg,
Thank you for your time tonight at Fresh Life. I brought a few ‘unchurched’ friends this evening. They were very impacted by your message and want to continue coming.
Your message about Heaven is so eloquent and forthright. How can anyone question or be doubtful, and why would they not desire what our Lord has planned and designed for us?
Being a Christian, working in a very non-Christian arena, there is no room for being lukewarm. While we are to be loving and approachable, we also need to be resolute and firm on God’s purpose for our lives and committed to live for His purpose. Your sermon was just that. Thank you for using some of your “Montana time” to affirm that tonight.
I loved how you refer to heaven possibly being something like parts of Montana. I have witnessed many unbelievable sunrises in different areas of our “Northwest Heaven.” God seems to be saying, “Watch this; this is going to be soooo cool!”
Continued prayer and God’s presence for you and your family,
Berni
We love you and are so glad you got to go on vacation. Levi and his family are awesome. We miss them here in California. However, we know he is being used for God’s glory. He reminds us of you
We will never cease to pray for you.
Rick and Linda Martin