Leaving this Earth for Heaven

 If you could choose how you would leave this earth to go to heaven, what would you choose? Now, I know we do not get a choice, but it is something to consider, because it will happen to all of us one way or another. The main thing is to be ready when that time comes. Elijah had a very special way to leave for heaven. God had shown him and Elisha that he was about to take him to heaven, so they were both watching out for this. (II Kings 2:11) As they were walking and talking, a chariot of fire with horses of fire swept between the two of them. It caught up Elijah in a whirlwind, and God took him to heaven without dying physically. I would say that is a great way to go and a wonderful blessing. Let's consider the next best thing, or even something better than that.

We do not need to fear death, if we are a true follower of Jesus, but pain and suffering at not much fun. I think most of us would skip that part if we could. A chariot of fire would be nice, but there is something even better. The Bible tells us about an event that could happen at any time now. Most people call it the Rapture of the church. (I Corinthians 15:51-52) In the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet, the dead in Christ will rise and those who are alive and remain at that time will be changed. We will receive our imperishable, eternal body, and we will be caught up with the others to meet Jesus in the air. Then, Jesus will usher us to heaven for the Marriage feast of the Lamb and the Judgment seat of Christ. I believe that would be even better than a chariot of fire. We would get to see Jesus, and He would take us to heaven personally. What a fantastic way to go to heaven!

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Tomorrow, I intend to read II Kings 4-6.