In my estimation, there are a few books out there today that should be required reading for every Christian, and maybe, for every human being on the globe. Sure, the last part might be a bit of a stretch, but at least it shows that what I have to recommend to you today is something I feel quite strongly about.

The book that came to mind this morning is one by a man named Randy Alcorn, entitled, rather simply, Heaven.  You can see the cover off the left.  What you can’t tell from the picture, however, is that it is a rather thick and thorough book.  Yet at the same time, it is not a very difficult read.  And also, as you can imagine, very good.

I remember the first time I read it.  Erin and I were in Poland at the time and I would read at least a chapter each day (they’re usually rather short).  After almost every chapter, I would say to Erin, “I love you very much, but I can’t wait to die.”  I said it with a smile on my face, but I must say that there was a certain degree of seriousness to it.  Rightfully so.

Yes, this life is a gift.  There is no doubt about that.  And we ought to be very diligent to make the most of it.  But it is also very short, so we are wise to figure out what comes next and how we can make sure we end up where we really want to be.

Alcorn’s book helps you there, because it gives as good a vision of Heaven or the New Earth as there is out there. Most folks have a picture of Heaven as some sort of disembodied church service, a place where a bunch of people in heavenly-robes sing old-school hymns amidst chubby, childlike angels with harps.  But that isn’t what we have to look forward to.  And really, who would look forward to it if that really was it?

If we are thinking rightly, we will live with a longing for what is to come, provided we trust in Christ.  There is simply no doubt about it.  So it seems wise for us to invest a good amount of time into learning about all that Heaven truly is and will be.  Alcorn’s book is a great place to start.  Check it and let me know how it goes.