Heaven a Far Better Country

Introduction

In the book of Job we see an extraordinary proclamation from Job. This is found in the 19:25-27 where he exclaims:

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.

Job knew that even in all the evils and despair he was in and had faced that he had a redeemer who lived and would see him. He knew that that is what mattered. Not this world and the things in it that can be taken, even your life, but the Redeemer.

James knew this redeemer. He knew He would too see Him some day. He knew that this life was not the end all of it all. He knew His Redeemer was awaiting him when his time here was over. James was as Job was and he knew that he would see God. He knew this because he trusted and believed Jesus when he said “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” (John 5:24).

James desired a better country. He knew this was not all there was. He is now there in the better country that we see described in...

Hebrews 11:16 “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.”

This text refers back to the faithful described in the beginning of the chapter. They desired a far better country but this applies to all of us who are strangers and aliens in this land of today. James was one of the strangers and pilgrims, but he has traveled to this far better country.

It is...

1. THE “COUNTRY” CALLED “HEAVEN”

This better country known as heaven is sometimes described as a city. It is an inheritance. But here in Hebrews it is called a country. We may not be able to know much about it and what it holds for us, but we do know that it is a far better country and it is a place being prepared for us by the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:1-3). What we do know about it and how it is better is because:

1) It is a more exalted country. The most glorious part of the creation. Where the God of hosts has His palace—throne—court, etc. The heaven of heavens. Full of the the divine glory.

2) It is a more holy country. Not polluted. No sin within its happy lands. There is no suffering and hurt because of the wickedness we experience here. James is no longer in this sin filled fallen world.

3) It is a more healthy country. Sin is the cause of disease; therefore, as there is no sin, there is no curse. No bodily, no mental, no spiritual afflictions are there. James is no longer suffering from the illnesses he had. He is no longer suffering from the surgeries nor is he in any pain now. He is in glory enjoying the Lord today.

4) It is a more happy country. Sources of grief and pain, are not feared and unknown. No seeds of bitterness—no crosses—open foes—false friends—imperfect brethren—no poverty—nor sorrows—nor toil—no fears—no temptation—no death. James has passed from death to life. No Christian ever really dies. All believers just are translated from this realm of earth to the heavenly glory with the Lord. James is with Jesus now and forevermore as 2 Cor. 5:8 tells us.

5) It is a more abiding country. Not to be visitors but residents. Not visitors for a season, but inhabitants forever. That inheritance is incorruptible—that crown does not fade—that kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. There is no more struggle to pay bills and keep the house. The home where James is at now is paid for in full by the blood of Jesus Christ. James is in perfect peace and harmony with no stress or worry. Just joy, peace, and happiness.

6) It is a better country, as it is the place of perfection and absolute glory. Perfect capacities—perfect enjoyment—perfect security—perfect employment—perfect day. Unclouded light. The height of glory. Bliss unchanging and unchangeable.

2. THE COUNTRY ALL BELIEVERS DESIRE

1) We have secured a title to it. By faith in Christ Jesus we are accepted of God, are His children, and, if children, then heirs according to the promise. “Begotten again to a lively hope.” Our names are written in heaven. James’ name was written there and he is there today.

2) We are longing to enjoy it. That better country is a heavenly one. It is necessary, therefore, that we be heavenly. Born from above. Heavenly nature. Heavenly dispositions. Heavenly actions. James desired it and longed for the day to be with Jesus. No one ever desires to die, but all believers long for their day of being with the Lord. James longed for this and he is now there. What a glorious greeting he received from the heavenly host. I can only imagine but I would wager he was greeted with exaltation and great joy.

3) We labor and pray for it. We express our desires to God. Seek grace to enable us to travel onward until we appear perfect before the God of gods there.

4) We talk of it, and live in the hope of its eternal enjoyment. We seek the company of heaven-bound travelers. Speak of the glories of that kingdom. And our souls glow with the hope of dwelling in it forever and ever. When I visited James at Advance Rehab a few weeks ago, he expressed no worry over what would happen here. It was because he was living in the hope of heavens eternal enjoyment. The enjoyment that he is now having.

Yes it is a sad and difficult time for the family who is left behind. The friends and other loved ones who are here to sort out our grief.

We have comfort from the Lord knowing that all who have believed when they die are with Jesus not suffering and living the absolute best life with Christ. I firmly believe that James is there now.

He was too peaceful with whatever life threw at him and with where he would go to not have the peace of Christ that surpasses all peace.

Take this knowledge of the Lord that all who are His are with Him when they leave this earth. This is our comfort from the Lord in these trying times. Jesus saves and keeps those who are His. He does not lose a single one. James was one of His and because of that, we can rest in the peace that James is in that far better country.

I believe this poem is what James would say to you now.

I am home in heaven, dear ones,

Oh, so happy and so bright!

There is perfect joy and beauty

in this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over,

every restless tossing passed.

I am now at peace forever,

safely home in heaven at last.

There is still work waiting for you,

so you must not idly stand by.

Do it now, while life remaineth,

you shall rest in God’s own land.

When that work is all completed,

He will gently call you home.

Ah, the rapture of that meeting,

Oh, the joy to see you come!

Benediction

May the strength of God sustain us; may the power of God preserve us; may the hands of God protect us; may the way of God direct us; may the love of God go with us this day and forever. Amen. The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make His face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us.