Reflection #1 on 'Heaven Is Waiting' by  Rich Mullins & Mitch McVicker

It's greater than the fears 
That we imagine; 
More than the warmth 
That we remember. 

It's always 
Just beyond the pass- 
And I must go: 
Heaven is waiting!

What makes heaven-heaven? Is it the streets of gold or the pearly gates? Is it the angels and saints congregating in one perfect place or the absence of evil and suffering? 

No, what makes heaven heaven is the presence of God. It's the presence of God that makes heaven wonderful, and the absence of God that makes hell horrendous. 

The greatest gain of leaving this life for heaven is being in the presence of the full manifestation of the Most High God. In heaven, we will see Him as He is--without man's false doctrines or confused imaginations. We will see Him face to face, and that will be heavenly!

"Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--for we walk by faith, not by sight--we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:6-8 NASB).

"Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is" (1 John 3:2 NASB).

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face" (1 Corinthians 13:12 NASB).

Mitch McVicker has written a song called "Heaven Is Waiting." Here he talks about a desire for heaven that drives him on in his life's journey.

Do you have that same anticipation? Does the promise of that presence draw you on in your quest to be more like the Lord? Well, if you need a gentle reminder, a refreshing of your expectation of what's ahead, then open your Bible--and experience His presence today!

And as rich as that experience will be, know that in heaven it will be a zillion times better. Then set out afresh on the path He has forged for you, and join in McVicker's song--because heaven is waiting!

So don't ask 
For no lengthy explanation 
When there ain't no reason 
Quite wild enough. 
No words 
Could be as tender. 

It's greater than the fears 
That we imagine; 
More than the warmth 
That we remember. 

It's always 
Just beyond the pass-
And I must go: 
Heaven is waiting!
 

Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 13:12

'Cause heaven is waiting 
Just past the horizon,
Just over the mesas-
Across the great divide. 

And faith is blazing this trail 
That I ride on up this mountain. 
I'm prayin' I have 
the strength to climb! 

In Mitch McVicker's song "Heaven Is Waiting," he talks about a journey that ends in heaven. It's a path we travel in this life that's been blazed by Jesus Himself. It's a journey of faith-and it's a trip we can't make on our own. 

The Bible recounts the story of an unnamed servant of Abraham who was charged with the very difficult task of finding a wife for his master's son. This servant set out on his journey and when he approached his destination, he asked the Lord to make the journey successful (Genesis 24:42). 

This is such a touching prayer because we, too, have been sent on a journey. When we meet the Lord and accept Him as our Savior, we begin that journey. We travel from the old, selfish, sinful ways that separated us from Jesus-to heaven, where we will never be parted from Him. Along the way, we are transformed, changing from faith to faith into the image of the Lord, becoming more and more like Him every day. 

And, like Abraham's servant, we have a mission! We are to bring to heaven a bride-for Christ. We are to go into all the world and make disciples of all men, for the Church of Christ is the Bride of Christ.

Understanding the destination of our journey can help clarify our perspective on the events around us. Everyday concerns, circumstances and trials take on fleeting significance-because the circumstances of our lives will change. The real or eternal matters of our lives are our interactions with other people.
The work of Mitch McVicker and his collaborator, the late Rich Mullins, have had eternal impact. I know so many people who have found a deeper understanding of the Lord and their journey of faith through the music of these two men. 

If you need to refocus in your walk with the Lord, turn to Genesis 24 and read how an unnamed servant was used by God to choose a bride. Let this simple story revive you. Then get on your faith feet and move forward because-"heaven is waiting"!

So don't ask 
For no lengthy explanation 
When there ain't no reason 
Quite wild enough. 
No words
Could be as tender. 

It's greater than the fears 
That we imagine; 
More than the warmth 
That we remember. 

It's always 
Just beyond the pass-
And I must go:
Heaven is waiting!