3 Minute Read
Prepare Your Heart
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Read God’s Word
A Verse for Today
Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Matthew 22:30 (CSB): “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like angels in heaven.”
Reflecting on God’s Word
I must admit that the verse I chose today has previously given me some trouble. I have been happily married to Kim for almost 27 years. When I said my wedding vows, I said: “Till death do us part.” But I can’t bear to think that Kim and my relationship will change in Heaven, given Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:30. Are Kim and I no longer going to be married in Heaven?
If you are married and have a family, you have probably been bothered by this verse, too. After all, if we are no longer going to be married to our spouse, will we no longer have a relationship with our children or parents?
Let’s investigate Jesus’ words.
First, Jesus simply said that there is no marriage in Heaven. From other passages, we understand that the only marriage in Heaven will be between Jesus and His bride, the church. But people like you and me will not be married in Heaven, and we won’t get married in Heaven either.
Second, marriage here on earth has a few specific reasons for its existence. It provides companionship that even God could not satisfy (Genesis 2:18). And it provides a monogamous relationship wherein a husband and wife could follow God’s command to populate the earth (Genesis 1:28).
Third, marriage was ultimately to illustrate what the Gospel looks like to a watching world. The husband is to “love his wife as Jesus loves the church” (Ephesians 5:25), and the wife has an opportunity to demonstrate how believers respond to Christ’s love by trusting and following him (Ephesians 5:22-24).
But when we investigate what our eternal home will be like, we realize that marriage’s current purposes will no longer be necessary in Heaven.
Our need for companionship in Heaven will be perfectly met. All who arrive are made sinless and capable of loving perfectly. We will experience perfect security and joy in each of those relationships.
It also seems that procreation will not be part of God’s eternal plan in Heaven.
And, finally, our current marriage’s illustration of Christ’s relationship with the church will no longer be necessary in Heaven. Christ’s marriage to the church will have become a reality.
So, how might we relate to our beloved spouses and children?
Well, for one, I don’t believe we will be given amnesia when we arrive in Heaven. I believe that I will know Kim and remember that we were married. Our love for each other will be rid of all selfishness, self-centeredness, and anything else of the sort. In other words, our love for each other will be so much greater and completely purified. But I believe our love for everyone else will also expand so that we enjoy everyone we encounter.
(While we are told that we won’t be married in Heaven, it doesn’t say that Kim and I can’t kiss and hold hands. LOL)
What will it be like to be in a place where everyone has been made fully righteous, without even the hint of sin? What will it be like to be fully known and fully loved, and to express that love for others? What will it be like to be in a place where every single person is fully complying with the first and second greatest commands?
It’ll be Heaven!
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for all that You say about my eternal home in Heaven. I look forward to the day when You call me home to be with You and my loved ones. I also look forward to the day when You will create a brand new earth (Revelation 21:1ff), one in which we will dwell with You forever. While there are aspects about it that I don’t understand, I trust You to make it a place that I will enjoy forever and ever. I pray this in Your Name, Amen.
Going Deeper
If you want to read about Heaven, consider reading one of the books on my Top Ten list: “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn.
If you want to go deeper, check out this article by Got Questions: “Why will people neither marry nor be given in marriage in the resurrection (Matthew 22:30)?”
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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com).
Matt’s Musings 