Having long-distance relatives isn’t ideal, since our together-time has to be minimal. But this week I’m pleased to be under the same roof with 6 of our out-of-town relatives: daughter Linnea, her husband Adam, Skylar, Micah, Autumn, and their baby brother who’s riding along in his mommy’s tummy. On our next visit, we’ll get to see and hold him, too.
When Nate was still with us, two of our grands had already been born, Skylar in Florida and Nicholas in England. But when he died, those two were still just babies, 15 and 10 months respectively. Nate never got the chance to watch them grow and change or to meet the other 6 (almost 7) that followed.
I consider it a huge blessing to have known them for as long as I have, even though the oldest is only five. But we can carry on conversations, play games, read together, share stories, bake cookies, and go places. Nate has missed out on all of it.
Or has he?
What’s the probability that he knows his 7 additional grands? Randy Alcorn wrote a book (based solely on Scripture) entitled HEAVEN. He makes a powerful case for Nate’s awareness of his grandchildren, citing passages in both the Old and New Testaments to substantiate that those in heaven know what’s transpiring on earth.
For example, based on Revelation 19 he writes, “Heaven’s inhabitants are shown praising God for specific events of judgment that have just taken place on Earth. The saints in Heaven are clearly observing what is happening on Earth. Those on Earth may be ignorant of events in Heaven, but those in Heaven are not ignorant of events on Earth, at least some of these events.” (p. 24)
Another passage in Luke 15 refers to rejoicing that goes on “in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” Alcorn writes, “Notice this Scripture does not speak of rejoicing by the angels but in the presence of angels. I believe it logically includes not only God but the saints in Heaven… If they rejoice over conversions happening on Earth, then obviously they must be aware of what’s happening on Earth… down to the details of specific individuals coming to faith in Christ.” (p. 25)
Alcorn cites many other verses on which he bases his conclusions, making a strong case for heavenly minds being far superior to what we now have on Earth. The bottom line, if I believe Scripture, is that Nate does know all of his grands and hasn’t missed a thing. Theologians might debate that into the ground, but as one half of a grandma/grandpa pair, I want to believe it.
As we enjoy each other during these two weeks together in earthly Michigan, I like to think Nate will be having just as much fun watching from his heavenly vantage point.
“This is the plan: At the right time [God] will bring everything together under the authority of Christ – everything in heaven and on earth.” (Ephesians 1:10)
Thank you so much for your wonderful post today, Margaret. It certainly gives those of us who have lost a spouse hope. I have often wondered if my husband was aware of our lives now that he is in heaven. I must get of copy of Randy Alcon’s book. Since Ed has gone home to be with his Lord I have eagerly read books on Heaven. Pastor Lutzer has a wonderful book One Minute After You Die. Your grandchildren are adorable. I also know what it is like to have long distance relatives. My youngest son lives in the state of Washington and my oldest son and I live in Pennsylvania. Blessings to you Margaret and enjoy the time you have with you family these two weeks.
Good morning, Margaret. I always love seeing pictures of the family and hearing how they have impacted you. Congratulations on another grandchild on the way!! How exciting for you and Nate! I believe Nate knows how your family has expanded since he stepped into eternity and he is rejoicing over this next little one just like you.
Hugs from the other side of the state,
Judy
When my husband died in March, we had 5 grandsons. Two of our other children had been unsuccessful in conceiving. One of them had been told by fertility doctors that they would most likely never conceive. The last words I spoke to my husband were to ask him that when he saw Jesus could he ask Him to send children to our children. Both of those children are now pregnant and the one with the “you will never conceive” diagnosis is due the week my husband died. So, yes, I would have to agree with you and the glimpses from scripture, that our dear ones know.
(I’ve been reading your book and your thoughts and experiences have so mirrored my own. I appreciate that so so much. Thank you! And enjoy your precious grand babies!)
My parents died before meeting the wonderful people our children married, and of course, they have never personally met any of our 6 delightful grandchildren. But it is a comfort to know that they are aware of what is happening here on earth and rejoicing with us. And – there is one special little one up there that the Lord saw fit to take before she was ever born – so maybe they are enjoying great grandparenthood anyway.
Oh Margaret, such a welcome and sweet encouragement! With our first grandchild graduating high school last May, it was a wonderful time of celebrating, but also a keen reminder of Tommy’s absence. I “knew” he was watching…but love hearing it stated, as you so did so well in this post.
Also, I love reading the replies, finding comfort in this dear community of widows.
Amen! The writer of Hebrews says that we “are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses …” referring back to chapter 11 and the list of the faithful. How could they be surrounding us, and be witnesses to our lives, unless God granted them the ability to see and know. Makes me amazingly joyful, often ashamed, but always thankful for the Father’s great love for all of us – those who see face-to-face, and those of us still seeing “but a poor reflection as in a mirror” (NIV) – 1 Cor. 13:12
I too loved your blog today. When Tom died we had only two very young grandchildren and now we have five wonderful blessings! I love to think that he is enjoying them from Heaven as much as I do here on earth. I loved Randy Alcorns book Heaven and think I might just read it again!!!!
wonderful post. I always think, ” how could we know less and not MORE in heaven than here on earth?” And with perfect understanding. Enjoy those sweet babies!
I totally agree with you, Margaret. This is such a good post; I believe that Nate is meeting his grandbabies before yo do, and he is watching over all of you at this time of his ‘home-going’. Enjoy those babies!!
Such a wonderful post. One of my favorites.