Afterward

Sometimes a simple biblical phrase catches me by surprise. That's what happened recently when I came to Hebrews 9:27, which says "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."

For some reason I was struck by the phrase "after that." Death sounds so final, but the Bible insists there's more to come "after that." Apart from faith in God, how could we be sure that death will be followed by something else? We're so accustomed to seeing a funeral as the end that we need the Bible's reminder: Beyond the doorway of death is God's judgment. We will either spend eternity in the forever presence of God or far from it.

Life on this earth is merely the prelude; the concert is yet to begin. This life is spring training; glory's full season still awaits. The best is yet to come—"after that."

The wealthy, self-sufficient man who ignores God may enjoy the good life now, but there will come a time when every mortal will acknowledge God in utter humility before his throne. Death is coming, and "after that" all our earthly treasures and human accomplishments will fade away in the light of his glory and grace.

Meanwhile, those who follow Christ enjoy the confident expectation of what will come "after that." We may be suffering now, but afterward there will be joy. We may be grieving now, but afterward there will be endless comfort. We may be broken and wounded now, but afterward there will be wholeness and peace.

I'm certain Heaven won't be boring, sitting around on a cloud strumming a harp. I think it will be more like this:

The skilled laborer who likes to build things having all the time and materials he could ever need to construct great masterpieces.

The woman who likes to study and learn having time to consume every book she would ever want to read.

The fellow who enjoys athletics being able to run and jump without getting tired.

The adventurer who likes to travel having unlimited opportunities to explore the vast array of God's "new heaven and new earth."

The musician having unlimited opportunities to compose and perform beautiful songs of praise to God.

The visionary whose dreams and aspirations have been frustrated here on earth finding complete fulfillment at last.

The tormented soul who has been misunderstood or belittled by others finding himself enveloped in God's abiding love.

The woman who was blind on earth now with wide-open eyes beholding the glorious colors and splendors of Heaven.

The one who was paralyzed or lame now leaping with joy and never growing weary.

The seeker who asked hard questions finally experiencing a satisfied mind.

Those who have been outcasts on this earth now enjoying untainted fellowship with others.

Little children whose lives were prematurely snuffed out sharing a heavenly reunion with their joyful parents in a place where every tear is wiped away.

Dear old saints who served the Lord through good times and bad enjoying the fruit of their labor.

All of us who have been saved by grace will be there together, worshiping the all-wise Lord who deserves all praise.

Yes, that's what I believe Heaven will be like. And if I'm wrong, it's because I'm underestimating how wonderful Heaven will be. All of us have an appointment with death, but praise God there's a lot more to come—after that.