Read today’s texts first: 2 Samuel 1; Psalms 140; Matthew 13
Heaven is for real, but it is not really for everyone.
I remember watching the film sensation, Heaven is for Real (and more recently from the same producer, Miracles from Heaven). This morning I read through Matthew 13 and would like to add, heaven is for real, but it is not really for everyone. Unlike some Christian critics, I enjoyed the movie. Colton’s memories of heaven are believable and consistent with other near death accounts, but there should be more to the story.
The story in the movie is limited, one-sided. Taken by itself, it creates the impression that everyone goes to heaven when they die. I wish Pastor Burpo (that’s his real name) actually delivered sermons in the movie based on Scripture instead of just his son’s visit to heaven. That’s the danger with books, movies, and preachers who interpret God’s Word based on experiences instead of interpreting experiences based on God’s Word.
The truth is, heaven is for real, but Jesus made it clear that not everyone will spend eternity with Him there. The parables we read today speak of the day when there will be a separation of the wheat from the weeds (13:39-43), the good fish from the bad (13:47-50). We know from earlier in the chapter and from other Scriptures that the terms “good” and “bad” do not refer to our works, our ability to earn a place in heaven. The parable of the sower helps us understand that the comparison is more like good or bad soil (13:18-23), spiritual acceptance of God’s Word, the gospel message of a free gift of salvation paid in full by our Saviour, Jesus, who died in our place. Accepting Him and his forgiveness is what makes the possibility of heaven real for us!
“Lord, thank You for Your promise that you have gone ahead to prepare a place for us (John 14:1-3). Like Colton Burpo, I’m not afraid of death, or anything for that matter, because heaven is for real, and really for me!”
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