Articles
No Place Like It
“But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.”
(Heb. 11:16)
“The Wizard of Oz” may produce fond memories for those of us that have seen this fantasy-filled cinema. Many view this movie as one of the greatest film masterpieces. In the slim chance that some have not seen or heard of this film, then a brief synopsis is in order. The protagonist, Dorothy, is a Kansas farm girl who gets wrapped up in the fantasy world of Oz after experiencing a blow to her head during a violent tornado. She awakens to find herself, along with her dog, Toto, not knowing what to do or where to go. Her journey through the mythical land of Oz brings about many obstacles, which are brought upon by her antagonist, the Wicked Witch of the West. Through all the trials, Dorothy kept her focus on following a path that led to a place that she hoped would lead her home.
Quite often, our lives can get wrapped up in a fantasy-driven world. A world that incessantly strives to point out where they believe true happiness lies. Mass media exploits the desires of the flesh (cf. Gal. 5:17ff), intending to sell consumers on the idea that stuff will make their lives whole. Ultimately, it is foolish to trust in earthly things (cf. Matt. 6:19ff). John wrote, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world…the world is passing away” (1 Jn. 2:15, 17). Paul further asserts, “For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either” (1 Tim. 6:7). Regrettably, people delude themselves into thinking that riches will last and Heaven can be a place on earth.
Who can honestly say that this life has everything to offer? Sure, people can be comfortable and appear to be content in all circumstances. As stated earlier, the world tells everyone that you are not happy unless you have “this” in your life. What people are doing is trying to fill that God-shaped hole. Most deny His existence, but it is futile since it is self-evident (cf. Psa. 19:1ff; Ecc. 3:11; Rom. 1:18ff).
Believe it or not, there are examples of individuals in Scripture who could have had their every heart’s desire. For instance, Abraham was very wealthy (cf. Gen. 13:2); however, the writer of Hebrews says of this man, “…for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Heb. 11:10). Moses was brought up with every luxury provided but chose to leave that life behind to follow after the heavenly treasures (vv. 25f). Moreover, we cannot forget that the Devil tempted Jesus with every earthly pleasure imaginable (cf. Matt. 4:1ff; Lk. 4:1ff). Fortunately for us, the Lord did not fall for Satan’s deceptions (cf. Heb. 4:15).
The apostle Paul wrote, “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2). Why is that? Jesus answers this question by stating, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21). Having our hearts and minds obsessing over the perishable earthly stuff will NOT offer us true happiness. Consequently, only that which is imperishable, undefiled, and that will never fade away will lead to ultimate fulfillment. This is reserved for those that have been born again through Christ and will find their true treasure in Heaven (cf. 1 Pet. 1:3ff).
Heaven is REAL! Like Dorothy, we have to stay on the right path to find our way home. However, there is no man behind a curtain, neither can we arrive at our destination by merely clicking our heels. We have to look to the only One that will guarantee our deliverance into the eternal abode of Heaven—Jesus Christ! “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
