“We’re going on a trip to Canada!” our children told the neighbors.
How excited the three children were! It was great fun to get everything ready for the long trip north.
“Don’t forget my fishing pole,” said our eight-year-old fisherman.
“Have you packed my Sunday dresses yet?” asked our only girl.
There certainly were a lot of things to take, although fishing poles and frilly dresses weren’t the most important things we needed in our suitcases. The list grew so long that Mother finally put the list on the computer. Money, extra clothes, maps, toothbrushes, life jackets, medicines-it seemed like a lot for a two-week trip to Canada! And when the car was being packed, all three children sneaked in some extra toys that Mother didn’t even know about!
“Did you bring my jacket?” asked Dad after we started off. “And what about the children’s passports? they may ask for them at the border.” Yes, everything had been packed, but even while they were on this trip, Mother and Dad thought about another trip they would soon be making. But, strange to say, on this other trip they wouldn’t need a single thing that they had brought along for the trip to Canada!
Maybe you’ve already guessed that the other trip they expected to take was when they would leave this world and go to heaven. They were sure that they would be going someday because the Bible says, “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:1818For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1 Peter 3:18). The Lord Jesus Himself said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2,32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3).
But not a single thing this family packed would be needed for the trip to God’s home in heaven. No passports would be needed, because it does not matter at heaven’s door what country you are from. God’s Word says, “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:1515That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:15). Money would not be necessary, because the Bible says we are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:2424Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (Romans 3:24).
But what about the medicines that had been packed just in case someone got sick? Would they be needed in heaven? No! The Bible says, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:44And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4). And the toys, fishing poles and pretty dresses? Oh no, none of these will be needed either. Instead, there will be robes of white, harps, and a marriage supper. But most important, the One who died and shed His precious blood to wash away our sins will be there to fill heaven with joy and praise. Wouldn’t you like to go with us to God’s wonderful home in heaven? You only need to trust in the Lord Jesus today!
It is only fair to warn you that if you don’t accept God’s great salvation, then you will make a very different trip when you leave this world. Those who do not receive the Lord Jesus as their Saviour will be thrown into the lake of fire. “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalm 9:1717The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (Psalm 9:17). There is something in hell that poor sinners will need. They will need water to cool their tongues, but not a drop will be given. Oh, do come to the Lord Jesus for salvation! He loves you and wants you to be with Him in the mansions of heaven.
Perhaps you are wondering what we will do in heaven if we don’t even need toys or fishing poles. I think one of the first things I will do is join in the singing of praises to my Saviour who died for me. And next-I will look for you. Will you be there?
ML-06/23/1991