SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 2014
I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.— 1 Corinthians 13:12
People sometimes ask, “What will we know in heaven? Will we recognize each other?” That question always amazes me. As if we’re going to forget everything—or be walking around in a fuzzy cloud of semi-awareness! We still will love, but our love will be perfected. We still will think and remember, but our thoughts will be perfected too. We certainly will know each other in heaven—and infinitely better than we knew each other on earth.
How do I know that? In Matthew 17 we read the account of Jesus on the mountaintop with Peter, James, and John. In those moments when He was transfigured before them, with His face shining like the sun and His clothes white as the light, He was seen talking to both Moses and Elijah.
From the account, it’s obvious that the disciples knew it was Moses and Elijah, though they were never told that fact or introduced to them. I doubt these two visitors from heaven had little name tags on: “Hi. My name is Moses.” Do you think Moses was standing with two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments under his arm, just to give them a little hint? No, but there was something about these two that made them instantly recognizable.
The disciples knew Moses and Elijah. And when we have been changed and encounter one another on the other side, we will know too. But I’d like to add just one thing. If you ever want to look me up in heaven, don’t look for a bald guy. Look for a guy with lots and lots of hair.
Think of the purest, highest, most ecstatic joy on earth, multiply it a thousand times, and you’ll get a fleeting glimpse of heaven’s euphoria. That is why David wrote, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
We will be aware in heaven—more aware than we’ve ever been before.
You will know more there. You will love more there. Your love for family and friends will be a stronger, sweeter, purer love. Death breaks ties on earth, but they will be renewed in heaven. Heaven is a perfecting of the highest moments of our present Christian experience.
Radio Program: “Why and How Prayer Changes Things — II”
TV Program: “The Pursuit of Happiness, Part 2”
Bible Readings: Ezekiel 8-11; Revelation 4
Ezekiel 12-14; Revelation 5
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Used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514.