Devotional: Is there joy in Heaven?

I read Pastor Billy Blackmon’s recent article regarding whether dogs are in heaven. It reminded me of a question of someone who had recently lost her husband, “Will I still be married when I get to heaven?”

I’d like to think she was hoping she would.

However, I asked if her marriage had brought her joy?

She replied, “Yes, of course!”

I said, “Then I think there will be marriage in heaven.”

Before you begin writing angry letters claiming I am comparing marriage to a dog, please put your pens down — or move your hand away from the keyboard. The heart of the question is about whether there will be joy in heaven — whatever that might be. I think, if we approach the subject of marriage or dogs in heaven from this perspective, the obvious answer is: Yes. We obviously do not know what heaven is like. To date, no one has returned from heaven with a full account — Todd Burpo aside.

The basis of this assertion is that God is love. If you disagree, which you are allowed, then you can move on to the sports page. However, if you agree, read on. Because God is love, God’s greatest gift to us is — you guessed it, love. Some may say that Jesus Christ is God’s greatest gift. My answer is: Since Jesus is the manifestation of God, and love is manifestation of Jesus Christ, it stands to reason that love is the manifestation of God. If love and marriage are manifestations of Jesus Christ and God, then who would one expect to see in heaven — all the manifestations of Jesus and God!

So, Pastor Blackmon, I agree with your premise, albeit in different terms, that there will be joy in heaven.

Blessings,

Rev. Jerry Amiri, senior pastor

Salem UCC, Alhambra

This story was originally published April 29, 2016 at 6:34 AM with the headline "Devotional: Is there joy in Heaven?."