Paradise—Indescribable!

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;

and His greatness is unsearchable. — Psalm 145:3

Welcome, 🙂

Have you ever awakened with a single word lingering in your thoughts? Make a cup of tea or coffee and join me for a glimpse into Paradise.

Recently, at three o'clock one morning, the word Paradise filled my mind. I rolled over, wanting to go back to sleep, but the word lingered. I kept thinking, I’ll look it up tomorrow. But the more I tried to ignore it, the stronger the impression grew. Soon I found myself with an open Bible and a warm cup of tea, tracing every place Scripture mentions Paradise. Looking back, I can't help but believe the Lord simply wanted to encourage my heart as I met with Him that quiet morning.

The first mention of Paradise appears in Luke 23. Jesus says to one of the thieves on a cross, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Imagine this thief’s peace and calm as he hears Jesus’s promise to him in his final moments. As I lingered over Jesus' words, two beautiful truths settled deeply into my heart.

First, that the Lord can save even on a deathbed. Yet, I would not want a loved one to wait until the last minute. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Secondly, those who confess Jesus as Lord, putting their faith and trust in Jesus, are with Him, in Paradise, the moment they die. What hope and comfort this gives us as believers!

The second reference to Paradise appears in 2 Corinthians 12:4. Paul says, “a man was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” I was especially drawn to the phrase, “he heard inexpressible words.” What did he hear? Was it the voices of angels? Was it worship around the throne? Was it words from the Savior Himself? Scripture doesn't tell us—and perhaps that's part of the wonder. Paul simply tells us they were inexpressible words—so glorious that human language could not adequately describe them. How glorious beyond imagination his vision of Paradise must have been. If this was only a glimpse, what must Paradise itself be like?

The last mention is in Revelation 2:7, “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” My thoughts lingered on the tree of life in Paradise, and before long, I found myself reading Revelation 21 and 22. As I slowly read these chapters, I felt as though I was looking through a small window into Paradise. We are given only a glimpse, yet even that leaves us speechless. There is no night because the glory of God illuminates it; He is the light. There is a street of gold, so transparent it is like glass. There’s a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of the street, on either side of the crystal-clear river, is the tree of life. There will be no more tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain.

As breathtaking as Paradise will be, its greatest glory is not the golden street or the crystal river—it is Jesus Himself. We will see our Savior face to face. Once again, I found myself without words. I bowed my head, closed my eyes, and sat in His presence, thinking about the wonderful hope and prospect before me. Thoughts of praise and worship welled up from within to the One who alone is worthy.

Peter uses similar language when he writes that believers “rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8). There are simply some joys found in Christ that words cannot fully express. Seeing our precious Lord in Paradise will be the fulfillment of that joy.

Until that day, we continue to wait with joyful anticipation for the moment when faith becomes sight, and we see our Savior face to face.

That quiet hour reminded me that the Lord still delights to draw me aside to spend time alone with Him. Sometimes He draws our hearts to a single word, a verse, or a passage of Scripture simply because He wants to lift our eyes upward.

If the Lord gently stirs your heart—even at three in the morning—don't be too quick to dismiss it. Open His Word. You never know what treasures He may have waiting for you.

Jesus’ promise:

“Surely I am coming quickly."

Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! — Revelation 22:20

A Quiet Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the glimpse of Paradise Your Word gives us. Lift my eyes often toward heaven, where You, my Hope, are found. Help me to live each day in joyful anticipation of seeing You face to face.

Amen.

Steeped in God’s love, 🌸

Evelyn

If you'd like to linger over these passages yourself during your own quiet time with the Lord, here are the Scriptures we explored together:

Luke 23:39-43

2 Corinthians 12:1-4; 1 Peter 1:8 (Joy inexpressible)

Revelation 2:7

Revelation 7:14-17

Revelation 21 and 22