Heaven can be scary for kids.
While Pastor Chris is teaching about heaven in the adult services during April we are teaching similarly with the His Kidz Church. Some of the most exciting aspects of heaven with adults can be concerning for our children. While we want to emphasize the need of being prepared for eternity with our children it should be approached less as spiritual "fire insurance" and more about a grand reunion with those we love and most importantly being with Jesus forever. Although Jesus expressed that in heaven there are not "marraiges" as we know them here this was never to imply we won't recognize those we were so close to here on earth. In an adult view we understand that God will not disappoint us with whatever heaven offers and we may be more prepared to let go of some things from this earthly life and trust that what God has in store will be better. A child's need for security and a stable environment is part of God's design for children. One concern children have concerning heaven is whether or not they will be with their family members and they need that comforting confidence of familiarity as they think about going to a whole new world. When Jesus was transfigured before the 3 privileged disciples that were able to get a glimpse of "life on the other side" they were able to recognize that Jesus was visited by Moses and Elijah. These 1st century disciples had never met these two historiacl figures but in a heavenly perspective they knew who they were and these men retained something of their former existence while now living in an eternal condition. The rich man that died caring only for himself recognized the beggar that sat at his outdoor entance in his earthly life but now in an eternal framework saw who it was and asked the beggar and Abraham ,who he had never met, to please come to his rescue. We can confidently let our children know we will be with them in heaven "IF" we have in fact prepared our hearts for that great day. So how do you see it? Will we have personal family relationships in heaven? Another matter I am not so quick to handle is concerning our family pets. Kids and adults alike grieve over the loss of animals that have accompanied us through life as an important part of family. Will we see them again? Will animals be part of the new heavens and earth that last forever? What do you think?
OF COURSE we will see our animals again, how could you ask such a question? Duke is not only saved, he is often caught devouring the Word...literally eating it, so now I have to make sure that I put my bible and Christian books up when I leave. The only thing I can think of is that he wants to learn more about God. Sometimes if he is a little disobedient, I leave the Christian station on all day while I'm at work...no "animal planet" unless he behaves!
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