Do you ever think about those who have gone before us into heaven? We speak correctly when we say that they have died. But we should always also remember that they are now alive, more alive than they ever were in this life, alive in the presence of the Lord, and of the angels, and of the saints of all ages. When we die, we who are in Christ will also immediately be in the presence of the Lord, as Jesus promised the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43).
And that should always be our primary focus … seeing Jesus no longer darkly through a glass, but face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). Our greatest joy in heaven will not be the things we have left behind (our physical ailments and struggles with sin), and not even the things we will acquire (glorified bodies and the beauties of heaven) and the relationships we will renew (with deceased loved ones) and the relationships we will establish (with the saints of Bible and church history). No, the greatest joy will be our ability to see Jesus in His unveiled glory, to enjoy the intimacy of a richer fellowship with Him, and to join in the songs of the saints and angels before the throne: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing (Revelation 5:12).