I Can Only Imagine

Throughout the centuries, Christians have yearned to leave this world and enter into heaven with our Heavenly Father. Among many New Testament texts about this theme is
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe tha Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words."

In 1990, the musical group Mercy Me produced a song which is one of the most inspiring songs I know. Most of you may already know this song, but if not, here is is, and I hope and pray its words will bless you today and in the days to come.

First Stanza: I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by Your side.
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When Your face is before me.
I can only imagine.
I can only imagine.

Second Stanza: I can only imagine when that day comes,
When I find myself standing in the son,
I can only imagine when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You.
I can only imagine.
I can only imagine.

Chorus: Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You, Jesus?
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence?
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing Hallelujah?
Will be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine.
I can only imagine.

Conclusion: [Repetition of the Chorus]

I can only imagine.
I can only imagine.
I can only imagine.
I can only imagine.

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You.
I can only imagine.

From our perspective in a tiny spot on planet earth, there is no way to imagine what God will be like, what Jesus will be like, what the angels will be like, what heaven will be like. I am anxious to be there. What about YOU?

Let me share your thoughts about this song. Share this with your friends, your church, your community, your nation, the world. Let me hear from you.

John Willis