Resurrection, part 4: Will there be big-screen TVs in heaven?
by Pastor Stephen Abraham
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Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51,52).
My oldest cousin has lived his whole life with autism and intellectual disability. But his parents never treated him as disabled. He was just different. He has lived such a full life; he works hard, flies kites and drones, is a master fisherman, and has an epic model train set he built with his late father since childhood. He loves his TV and loves for me to watch him play Formula One racing games on it! He has attended church faithfully every Sunday since childhood and is now in his mid-60s. As special people in his life have passed away, he wonders what happens when we die. The last time I saw him in person, he asked me, ‘Will there be big-screen TVs in heaven?’
Finally, we get the low-down from Paul. The timetable of how all he has talked about in this chapter will go down:
- Not all will be asleep (in death); some will be awake (alive).
- In an instant, the transformation happens.
- The trumpet fanfare blasts (marking the end of time – the siren that the game is over and your team just won the grand final!).
- The dead are raised and, along with those alive, take on their imperishable body.
How will we feel at that point? It stands to reason we will be happiest beyond what we can fathom. To be beyond our very best – death-proof, suffering-proof, retaining the essence of who we are now but transformed with glorified bodies.
So, how did I respond to my cousin?
‘It’s great that your TV makes you happy. Scripture tells us your deceased brother and dad will be there in heaven, and my mum and dad too – not old and broken – but better than the best they were in their lifetime. I know you will be the happiest you have ever been seeing them whole again and seeing Jesus. Even happier than when you enjoy your PlayStation on your big-screen TV.’
Heavenly Father, we look forward to what you have prepared for us – your house with many rooms. We look forward to seeing those who have gone before with tears of joy and happiness beyond measure. We look forward to this because of you, Lord Jesus, your salvation won for us on the cross. See you soon. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Stephen retired early due to a spinal injury, leaving him largely housebound with chronic pain (documented by Lutheran Media on its Messages of Hope YouTube channel and radio program). As his condition allows, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel (youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic).
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