The Long Tomorrow

No pictures with this post, but I have been reading a fascinating book by Randy Alcorn entitled, Heaven. He has written many books both fiction and non-fiction, has been a pastor, and is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries, a teaching ministry.

The Long Tomorrow is a phrase Alcorn borrowed from AW Tozer, a great writer in the mid-twentieth century, which describes our life after death. That thought can be frightening to some, but it’s a thought that needs to be dealt with before one stares Eternity in the face. And of course, none of us knows when that might occur, since only God knows our expiration date.

For those of us who presently look forward to Heaven, the idea of being reunited with loved ones who beat us there, in addition to the awesome gift of seeing Jesus Who made our presence there possible, is beyond comforting, However, I have to admit, Heaven seemed like a fairly vague concept until I read Alcorn’s book. Besides the topics I mention here, Alcorn discusses many others and the last half of his book lists questions (and his answers) that readers have sent him—all very thought-provoking.

Granted, there is a lot we don’t know about this next address we’re traveling to, but there’s a surprising amount the Bible does tell us and it’s fascinating to be able to access those scriptures in one place which is what Alcorn enables his readers to do.

In case you are not into harp playing or singing in a choir, according to Alcorn, “Fear not, Heaven will definitely never be boring.” Our Creator has given us personalities, talents, and skills and there’s no reason He won’t continue having us use them—minus the curse of the Sin Factor. I found that encouraging despite the fact that I do love to make music (or have, in the past).

Will we know our loved ones in Heaven? Alcorn thinks so because the Bible says “We will be known as we are known.”He also reminds us of how Christ was instantly recognized by the Eleven after He was resurrected from the dead.

For anyone who has not firmly nailed down where you will be spending your “long tomorrow,” I urge you to not waste any more time. Jesus paid the price for your sin debt on that Roman cross 2000 years ago and His gift of your salvation is as valid today as it was to the thief being crucified beside Him. He begged, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”  Jesus assured him that he would be with Him in Paradise. 

A simple affirmation of believing that Christ is God’s Son, who died for your sins and in your place and arose, conquering sin and death and surrendering your life to Him—that will guarantee your “long tomorrow” to be in Heaven with Him.

That will truly be Glory.