An Eyewitness Account of Heaven!

We've all read after-death or near-death accounts of Heaven.  Some have been turned into books and even movies.  Some have been debunked, while others are universally respected.  Heaven remains a subject of great curiosity and mystery.  Some think Heaven is a real place where the redeemed will live eternally with God.  Many think it is a spiritual realm without physicality.  Others seem to view it as the destination for all humanity when we die (universalism).

Eyewitness accounts supposedly abound.  Yet the most reliable eyewitness accounts are those recorded in the scripture and affirmed by millions throughout history as reliable!  One of those accounts is rarely read or considered;  as a matter of fact, most people are surprised when they read it or hear it read.

Part of this shock comes because it arises in the Old Testament and not the New.  It occurs in the book of Exodus when Moses goes up the mountain to talk with God.  Perhaps the witness of one person could be discredited;  but how about the common witness of over seventy?

Moses is instructed by God to bring to the mountain Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and 70 of Israel's elders! Let's read it:

Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.  Yet He did not stretch out His hand against the nobles of the sons of Israel; and they saw God, and they ate and drank.

What a fascinating report!  

74 men actually saw God and consequently caught a view into the Present Heaven!  To look on God and live was a marvel!  God obviously extended His grace to allow them to live, even after looking on His glorious presence!  

How we wish they had given a greater description of God, yet since He is described as Light, we can imagine that to gaze on Him is to be transfixed by a brilliance that transcends anything we can know on earth.  

It's remarkable that they were so impressed with the pavement of Heaven!  Notice that it "appeared" to be sapphire.  Revelation 21:21 declares the streets to be made of gold:  “The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass”  The Greek word translated “gold” is chrusion, which can mean “gold, gold jewelry, or overlay".  This is a refined gold that seems to have a translucent effect.  

Finally, they apparently ate and drank in His presence.  I wonder what they ate and what they drank? Were these provisions they had brought from the camp of Israel?  Or was this a feast provided by God?  Either way, it seems to be an indication that we have a God who loves to fellowship with His people!  He has been part of a triune fellowship for all eternity, yet He desires a fellowship with His created beings as well!  

What stories they must have told upon their return to camp!  How would their family and friends even believe their report?  "Oh, we had lunch with God on the mountain!"  :-)    "Yeah, right."  

How would an experience like this form the rest of your life?  How would it change you and the way you live?  These 74 men would guide the children of Israel for the next forty years!  How many times would they reflect back on that heavenly experience to stabilize them and direct their decisions?  

Thank You, God for this tiny vignette from Exodus that gives us a foretaste of the eternal glory You offer to all of Your children!  Amen.