NEW FRIENDS IN HEAVEN
“I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven…”
Matthew 8:11 (NASB)
If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, and there was no language barrier, who would they be and why?
People have wanted lost loved ones at the table, prominent historical figures, artists they admire, influential authors, actors they think are funny, and the list goes on and on. Some of the most interesting answers don’t just account for meeting specific people, but also for wanting to see these people interact with each other at the table. What would conversations between Abraham Lincoln and Jimmy Stewart be like? What would J.R.R. Tolkien and Gandhi talk about? Would my grandmother get along with Jane Austen, or would they argue all night? (And would that entertainment be the reason why I’d choose them?)
When I’ve asked believers this question, they inevitably want Jesus at the table, to which I immediately clarify that He’s with us through the Spirit, so they’d need to choose someone else from the Bible: Paul, Peter, Esther, Ruth, David, Mary, etc. I’ve asked this question to people over the years and have learned a lot about which biblical figures resonated with people and why.
Everyone wants to know more and to hear it from the person who experienced it. What was David feeling when he gathered his rocks to fight Goliath? How did the people around Mary respond to her miraculous pregnancy? What was it like for Peter to literally walk on water toward Jesus?
In heaven, we’ll get to have these conversations! Jesus says in Matthew 8:11 that people will recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. If you’re God’s child, that means you too! You’ll make new friends with the people you’ve read about in the Bible, and you’ll meet many other heroes of the faith you’ve never heard of. We’ll have eternity to hear everyone’s stories of God’s faithfulness, His miracles and His presence. An infinite God can be discussed with countless people who have their own personal experiences to share, and all of us will have a seat at that table!
APPLICATION: If you could have dinner with three believers you know will be in heaven, who would they be and why? What questions would you ask and what stories would you want them to tell?
PRAYER: God, I’m excited about meeting all Your children one day! I look forward to asking others for their stories of Your goodness, and ask for Your help to obey You so I’ll have stories to tell as well! Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?