Paradise Without Jesus

John Piper said, "The critical question for our generation and for every generation is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?"

I was taught as one of Jehovah's Witnesses that  because I was not one of the elite 144,000  I would never see  Jesus face to face.  To be honest as a zealous witness I didn't question how I felt about never seeing him, I simply embraced what the Watchtower taught me.  I dutifully accepted my reward of being part of the "great crowd" who were to live forever on earth.  I would be granted a perfect body, perfect health, perfect living conditions.  Everything would be perfect.  Except, there would be no Jesus.  I was taught that He would rule over me "invisibly," but I would never  be granted the privilege of physically approaching Him, or speaking with Him.

Now, the very thought of living forever in paradise on earth without Jesus is no longer appealing.  I want for myself the same reward that He promised  His apostles.  "There is more than enough room in my father's home.  If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am."  John 14:2,3.  His disciple's had grown accustomed to being with Jesus, and that's why their hearts were troubled that He was about to leave them.  See John 14:1.

My step father (who is a one of Jehovah's Witnesses) recently asked me the question,"Kim, do you want to go to heaven?"  My answer to him and anyone who wants to know is, Yes. I can honestly say that when the time comes I will gladly trade in this earthy body for my new heavenly one so that I can be with the Lord always.  See 1 Corinthians 15:35-58.

I'd like to challenge anyone who might read this blog to ask yourself; If you truly are in a relationship with someone and you love them;  would you eagerly be willing to spend an eternity without them in your presence?  Would you gladly accept the meager invitation of never touching, seeing, or hearing them speak?  
When we really think about this, the prospect of living forever without Father or Son actually walking next to  us is not appealing.  Think about it.



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