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“He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 5:5

One of the greatest truths of the Christian life is that death need not be feared. As believers in Jesus Christ, from the time we drew our first breath and gave our lives to Christ, God began preparing us to spend eternity with Him. The word, “prepared,” in 2 Corinthians 5:5 has huge implications, because we are not prepared to die until we are ready to receive what God has prepared for us.

This is the place and this is the body where eternity is decided. Right here, right now. This is the place where decisions are made. This is the place where character is formed; but this place is temporary. God has not made us for earth; He has made us for heaven. God has not made us for this body. He has made us for His Body. God has not made us for self. He has made us for Himself. This is not the end; and it was never meant to be.

People ask me all of the time, “Where is heaven?” I can tell you exactly where heaven is. It is wherever Jesus is. What makes heaven heaven is not streets of gold, gates of pearl, or even the new bodies we are going to enjoy. What makes heaven heaven is Jesus.

I once pastored a sweet couple named Henry and Elaine. Henry became terminally ill with cancer. In his last days, he kind of went into a semi-comatose state. He wasn’t communicating or talking. They weren’t even sure if he could hear anybody talk to him. Just before he died he rallied. He opened his eyes, looked at Elaine and for the first time in days he spoke. He said, “Elaine, I’ve been talking to Jesus.” She said, “Really Henry? What did He say?” He answered, “He told me He’s going to take me home.”

What Henry described is what happens to every follower of Jesus. While we may not all have visions of speaking to Christ, He will be there greeting each of us the instant our bodies give out. Jesus will be there to welcome us into His presence. He will be there to welcome us home.

Dear Jesus, what an amazing day it will be when you and I get to meet face to face. How I long for that day and for the experience of spending time with you in person. Help me to look forward to that every single day, and in the meantime to enjoy your presence through the Holy Spirit while I'm still on earth. In Your name, amen.