God Has Never Disappointed Me

Sermon 3, April, 2022

Sometime back in the early to mid-nineties I was asked to lead a Bible study at Community Pride. I don’t remember all the ladies, but I know Bonnie Bircher was there as was Zola Ross. She taught me to pray. She told me not to beat around the bush. If I wanted God to do something don’t hedge or try use words such as “If you see fit Lord”, or anything like that. Just come out with what you want, and God will either grant it or not. Irene Hayes was also one of the faithful. She had in fact been one of those who began the study group a few years before my time. Irene wasn’t feeling well that morning and stayed in her room while we studied the last couple chapters of Revelation. After the session, (I never called it a class), I went down to see how Irene was doing. I read her the part that described a city with the tree of life and a river in its midst. She smiled and said, “It sounds like a beautiful place and I’m ready to see it.” Irene passed that night, and I will always be grateful for her gift to me. It was beautiful and inspired me to write this song.

PLEASE TELL ME IF YOU WILL

Please tell me if you will

What lies beyond the hill?

Is there a place where sinners can call home?

I know some who're safe inside

With arms spread open wide

Praying that I won’t be left alone?

Do the stars still shine at night?

Will the blind get back their sight?

Do the Saints rule there with faith and love and grace?

Is it really far above?

Filled with everlasting love,

And will we get to meet the Master face to face?

Please tell me if you will

What lies beyond the hill?

Are fallen heroes among God’s special blessed?

Are the streets all paved with gold?

Is it never ever cold?

Is it a place the weary can find rest?

Do the Angels all have wings,

And golden halo rings

I know it’s a lot for a lowly man to ask,

But does it sometimes rain?

Will we all be free of pain,

And is faith enough to be allowed to pass?

Please tell me if you will

What lies beyond the hill?

Do we make our way or are we prisoners of fate?

If we strive to do our best

When you put us to the test,

Will mortal men be welcomed at the gate?

I will try to run my race

To make the world a better place

Is it where we find eternal peace?

*Please tell me if you will

What lies beyond the hill?

I’m asking you from down here on my knees.

*Repeat two more times, slower each time

What does lie beyond the hill? What is heaven like? John describes heaven as a city 1500 miles square and as high as it is long. The city is all gold and jewels, illuminated by the glory of God. There are at least three other passages in scripture when we get a glimpse of heaven. Steven, Isaiah, and Paul all tell of the throne of God coming down from heaven. None of them describe what is in heaven nor do they describe what we will experience there. John comes the closest in his description of a city of gold, but I am a country boy. I have been in cities all over the world, and I just can't visualize Paradise as a city. Some cities are nice to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live in any of them let alone spend eternity in one.

Although scripture has the common theme of God on a throne coming down from above, the stories of near-death experiences share other common elements. Most those who have had near-death experiences s describe leaving the body and floating above it. They are able to see and hear everything that is happening. Their senses of sight, hearing and even smell is heightened. Even those who were blind in life can see what is going on. Those who are aware of being dressed describe wearing a white robe. They frequently pass through a tunnel toward the light and are met by a male figure who many think is either God or Jesus. Others are met by angels. They communicate with the heavenly beings without speech. When they indicate a reluctance to go forward, they are returned to their bodies. Some report miraculous healing and most have a positive change of life.

What does this tell us about heaven? Will we be reunited with those who have go on before? Most never get that far before coming back, but a few actual cases of near-death experiences as infants, who several years later, can describe ancestors they never met. For a few, the experience is very negative, and they tell of meeting ancestors who were mean to them in life. I will let you draw whatever conclusions you want from that.

What about animals? Do dogs go to heaven? Some out-of-body stories would seem to indicate so. One individual was greeted by every dog they had ever owned. Most, however, don’t mention it one way or the other. My old dog has a few more years left, and I hope to outlive her and will not get another one. But it just wouldn’t be paradise if I had to spend eternity without a good bird dog.

There are some non-believers who claim that the near-death visions are easily explained scientifically. Tunnel vision is common when the brain is deprived of oxygen etc. I have actually experienced it, but it is nothing like a passageway with a light at the end. So, where does the contradictory expert conclusions leave us leave us? I think it leaves us where ever faith puts us.

I will start with the most basic question. Do you believe that heaven exists? I can’t speak for everyone. I have a sister that fully believes “Life’s a bitch and then you die.” I cannot believe, however, that it all ends in a short drive in a long car. I just can’t. There has to be something beyond this. I have absolute faith in the existence of heaven. I also have absolute confidence Jesus Christ will lead us to Paradise. We can choose to follow or not. But those who do will get there. But no one, not even, scripture can tell us what is there. It is not covered. It actually doesn’t matter. God is in charge and He has never disappointed me yet. I have disappointed myself many times, but God has never disappointed me. Never. Thus, what we will find if and when we get there is just idle curiosity.

For those of us who are curious, I would encourage you to describe what Paradise is for you and assume you are right. My paradise has to have an opportunity to go fishing. A good bird dog is a must, and family. It wouldn’t be Paradise without family. Not just my living family, but my Grandma, my Dad and others who are already there. That would be Paradise if I were to create it. That’s a Paradise I can look forward to. I am probably wrong, but that is OK. God is in charge, and He won’t disappoint me.

Pray with me. Lord you are the controller of all things. We acknowledge you are in charge. We won’t know what heaven is like until we get there. We are free to dream, however, with the realization that Paradise is more wonderful than our dreams could ever be. Thank you, Lord for sending your Son to guide us in our journey through this world and on to the next. Amen.