It's difficult for me to picture what John saw when he wrote Revelation. That's not to say I can't visualize heaven the way he described it in chapter four and even the end of the world in chapter twenty-two. But in chapter eleven when it is announced that the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of heaven, well, that's just hard for me to imagine.

I guess the reason it's hard for me is the fact that the world has become so dark by sin's long dominance and man's escalating capitulation to it. I feel I give sin far too much credit and reveal my own diminishing expectation of the Lord's return anytime soon. But Scripture says a time is coming when the darkness of sin will turn the corner and suddenly be split wide open by the powerful light of the Lord Jesus who has had enough and is returning to earth in glorious splendor. Whenever that happens, and I believe Scripture that says it will, it will be something to behold. I don't know about you, but I can hardly wait!

Daniel spoke of such a time in his Old Testament prophecy, "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever." God revealed to Daniel in a dream what he wrote for us in Scripture. On the other hand, John was spiritually transported through time to experience it first hand (2:44) and in Revelation we read his report.

One thing is common to both Daniel and John concerning their vision of heaven. That's the fact that Jesus is coming and when he does, his kingdom will break the back of sin's reign over the earth and man's failed attempt to escape its rule over him. The only issue that should be of importance to you is from where you will view this transfer of power.

Some will be alive when he comes back, but most of us reading this will be dead. Our bodies will be decaying in the ground but our spirit will be alive and in one of two places: either with the Lord in perfect peace or separated from him and experiencing torment. Deny it if you wish, but there is no escaping it. Your seat for this glorious coming day is determined before you die, but settled for eternity after you're dead. What if it were today? The real Ticket Master may be locked tight before the day is over. Don't be stupid. Why not obtain your front row seat in glory right now? Are you saved?

1. Pray Through the Word - 365 devotionals on the subject of prayer by James R. Green (Dan 2; Rev 10-11)
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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