I Can Only Imagine

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes would see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine.

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You
I can only imagine.

Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine

This song was played at Kim’s thanksgiving service on Friday. I’ve been thinking about life, death and mortality… friends and family members who have died. I’ve also been reflecting on ‘what-then?’ and heaven…

People express the Christian hope, ‘They’ve gone to a better place’, and ‘We shall see them again one day.’ But what will it be like? I can only imagine.

I’ve spent years figuring out what I believe about God – the creator, my Father, Jesus – my saviour, example, inspiration, the Holy Spirit – my comforter, guide.

I’ve discussed forgiveness, miracles, abortion, baptism, gay marriage, evolution, sermon-length, pomegranates and bells on the priests robes… But heaven? I can only imagine.  

I know Jesus words: ‘My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you’ I know Paul’s words: ‘We have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.’

Paul also says ‘For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ John says: ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain,’

I know it and believe it, but there’s so much I can only imagine.

So what will it be like? Harps or guitars? Singing and dancing, or awe-filled kneeling and worshipping? Catching up with old friends, making new ones? Seeing my brother Chris, meeting Kim again or focusing on Jesus?

‘Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what I do not see.’ I can only imagine.