Jump Start # 3149

Revelation 4:1 “After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in Heaven and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.’”

Jim C. from Texas is one of our regular Jump Start readers. He sent me an email the other day about something I had written. I love hearing from our readers. I wonder some days if anyone out there is reading these. He wishfully said in his email that he hopes when I am no longer here that my son Jordan would take up writing these. I thought, he could call them, “Jump Start Juniors.” But, then, Jim added, “if there is a library in Heaven, I hope God, the master Librarian, will have all the Jump Start series there.” Jump Starts in Heaven—now that’s something I haven’t thought about.

Our verse today begins the grand scene in Heaven for John. The Lord did not tell him, but rather he showed him what these things would be like. Revelation is written like a picture book. The words are so descriptive that the images are clear in our minds. We may not understand what everything is supposed to mean, but we sure can see them. White horses. Red Dragons. Sea of Glass. Bowls of wrath being poured out. Seals on a book being opened. Beasts. Crowns. What powerful, colorful and precise images comes to our minds. What a masterful author God is. All of these things are telling a story. These are words of hope for God’s people. The troubles that they were facing would someday end. Powerful evil forces that no one can conquer will be conquered by the Lord. Victory in Jesus is the answer.

Some thoughts for us:

First, do not be afraid of Revelation. I have known churches that have studied Matthew through Jude and then turned around and went back to Matthew. No one dared touch Revelation. Much of the mystery, hype and fear associated with Revelation is made up. Certainly there are some background tools that will help you understand things, but don’t ever shy away from God’s word. God left this message to be read. He wants you to know it. And, once you do, you’ll be encouraged and your faith will have a greater resolve. You’ll find out that you have been missing out on such an encouraging and hopeful book.

Second, as much as my friend Jim wants Jump Starts to be in Heaven, I don’t think they will be. Not much of this life, other than ourselves will be in Heaven. I shared Jim’s message with my wife. She smiled and said, “that’s so sweet.” I don’t believe we’ll need Jump Starts, commentaries, class books, podcasts, blogs, or even our Bibles in Heaven. All of those things are tools to help us get there. Once we are there, the need for them will be gone. And, more than that, the Lord will be there. Why would I need a book, when the Lord is there.

I have heard so many say in a Bible class, “When I get to Heaven, I’m going to ask the Lord…” and what follows is their question. They want to know. But somehow, I don’t think we’ll even do that. First, I think we will be in such awe of the Lord that our questions won’t matter any more. Bowing, praising and honoring the Lord will be so important to us that our question will have no value. I expect if we say anything to the Lord, it would be, “Thank You.” Thank You for saving me. Thank You for your grace. Thank You for being so patient with me. Thank You for all the blessings in my life. Thank You.

Third, I am touched, honored and thankful that these little writings have meant so much to so many people.  We have never really tried to push the Jump Starts out in any grand promotional way. They just got shared and shared and shared. It is hard for me to believe that anything I have written has made much of a difference, but I know it has. The talent, drive and opportunity God gifted me with has gone far beyond anything I ever expected. As a very young preacher, a long time ago, I remember receiving, learning and being helped so much by the writings of Robert Turner. Then there were others, such as the writings of Paul Earnhart, Dee Bowman, Sewell Hall that helped me in ways they may have never known. I understand what it is like to be on the receiving end of help and encouragement. I hope, if this old world continues on, that someday, someone else will find a way to continue to help others. It’s not about the writings or the authors, but the good that can be done. Getting people to see the Lord and having the hope of life is such a great honor.

John saw a door opened in Heaven. God invited him up to see. Through those words, you and I get a glimpse of Heaven, and, what a view it is. Can’t wait to get there.

Jump Starts in Heaven—if they are there, I sure hope an angle fixes all my typos and mistakes.

Roger