Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May/81

Contributor - Roeland Hartmans

Title - Heaven Now

Topic - Ascension

"God ... raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:6

1 was standing on the roof of Malton Airport's Terminal One. Before my eyes an airplane was disappearing into the sky. On board were my wife and two sons who had left for a brief family visit. Inside I felt torn. Jean and the children had taken part of me with them. At the same time they were still here. Back at home I would imagine hearing them, seeing them. Indeed my love for them made me feel very close to them.

On Ascension Day we recall how Jesus was lifted up from among his disciples to return to God the Father. Yet, as the apostle Paul reminds us, not only has Jesus ascended, but all those who belong to him have entered with him into the heavenly places. Because of the Lord's love for them, believers of all ages have become citizens of two spheres: of heaven and of this present life.

Our citizenship in heaven encourages us to live up to our obligations here on earth. Did not Jesus command his disciples that they were to love one another? Love is proof of our citizenship in heaven: His love for us, our love towards Him and to one another.

To be honest there are many times that we find it hard to believe that we belong in heaven. There is so much unlovely in us and around us. Also there are numerous problems which threaten to overwhelm us. When we look at the future of the world we find much reason for despair.

Yet, rather than looking at the world we should look up. Isn't our present stay a temporary one, coming to an end soon? The disciples were very much involved with worldly needs and problems, yet, they were able to keep going because their hearts were already in heaven.

Once as a boy I made a particularly difficult bicycle trip. Ice cold rain threatened to immobilize me. As I pedaled along I kept reminding myself that this trip would come to an end - Soon I would be home. In fact my thoughts about home kept me going.

When part of us is already with the Lord we can look with anticipation to the future - Some day for sure he will return to us. Our separation will be over, and he will allow us to claim what is ours already now.

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