Daily Devotional
Will Heaven Be Boring?
April 26, 2024
Revelation 21:1 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.”
Revelation 22:3-5 “No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.”
Think
Many people harbor a secret fear about heaven: they worry it might be boring—an eternal choir practice where we float around in white robes, perhaps strumming harps endlessly, listening to a narrator dully and monotonously reading the dictionary all day. This mundane image can make heaven sound more daunting than delightful. However, Scripture offers a very different perspective. Revelation 21:1 introduces us to “a new heaven and a new earth,” where the term “new” is derived from the Greek word kainos, meaning “remade” or “restored to perfection.” This doesn’t suggest a heaven that is dull or unfamiliar, but, rather, a perfected continuation of the best parts of our world, free from the blight of sin.
Imagine the most breathtaking places on earth—like Hawaii or maybe Fiji. Now, envision them glorified, free from any imperfection. This is the new creation that awaits us. Everything beautiful about this world, amplified without the curse of sin: colors are more vivid, landscapes are more awe-inspiring, and joys are deeper. Even our favorite meals, like a beef tenderloin, will taste unimaginably better in their heavenly versions. It’s a place of pure delight where the natural beauty and the pleasures we enjoy now are not only preserved, but elevated.
In this renewed creation, we won’t be aimlessly floating on clouds; Revelation 22:3 tells us “his servants will serve him.” This service isn’t a burdensome chore, but a fulfilling activity. Far from the mundane or dull, heavenly work aligns perfectly with how God designed each of us. It’s enriching, purposeful, and free of the toil and frustration that often accompany earthly labors. In heaven, everyone finds deep satisfaction in tasks that resonate with their intrinsic passions and skills—perhaps for some, it will be the first time they truly feel they are fulfilling their calling.
So, let’s dispel the myth: heaven is not about eternal rest in the sense of inactivity, but rather about engaging in joyful and meaningful activities free from fatigue or boredom. In heaven, every moment is infused with purpose and pleasure, far beyond what we experience now. Boredom, as part of the earthly curse, will be nonexistent. We will feel more alive than ever, perpetually fulfilled and exhilarated by the life God has prepared for us. This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a promise of a life fully lived in the radiant joy of God’s presence.
Apply
Strive to bring a piece of heaven to earth by embodying heavenly values in your daily life—practice kindness, patience, and labor joyfully as if you are already in heaven.
Pray
Heavenly Father, I am filled with anticipation and wonder as I think about heaven and what you have in store for me as a believer. Help me to keep your glorious promises in mind as I navigate the challenges of my daily life. Teach me to see beyond the temporary to the eternal beauty and perfection that you have prepared for me. Make me an ambassador for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.