Have you ever wondered what people do in heaven all day long? What is the agenda? Do they just sit around strumming harps and singing praise to God? What does the Bible say about them? Are they aware of what is going on in this life? Do they care about us? The Bible does not give us a lot of information about the activities of people who have gone to be with the Lord. Yet, from the occasional glimpses we can get some clear ideas about them and what they do or do not know about us here on earth. Look with me at the view from heaven.

First, Samuel was a minister of God to Saul but he died and Saul had no one to consult with concerning a battle that was to take place between his army and that of the Philistines. So Saul arranged for a woman who had a familiar spirit to call up Samuel from heaven. Samuel prophesied that the next day Saul and his sons would die in battle (1 Samuel 28).

Then the two verses for today tell us that Moses and Elijah descended from heaven and had a conversation with the Lord. The topic of their conversation focused on the death and resurrection of Jesus that was to take place in about a year from that time.

We learn from this that God's people have not only knowledge about what is happening here on earth but have serious interest in the plan of God for us.

Thirdly we read in Revelation 6:10 (NIV) about those who were martyred for their witness to the Lord Jesus. It says there:

"They called out in a loud voice, 'How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true,
until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?'”

So clearly these martyrs in heaven knew that the Lord had not intervened to punish those who had murdered them. The witnesses were assured God would intervene but at that time it had not happened and they knew it.

These three incidents give us some help as we think about our loved ones who have gone ahead of us into the presence of the Lord. There is an understanding on their part about what is happening or not happening here. They have a real interest in the plan of God for creation and they desire that the will of God be done quickly.

We know little more about the saints who have gone before us but we may be certain they have joy unspeakable and are completely at peace with the will of God as it unfolds here on earth. God's people of all ages look ahead to the completion of the work of Christ. Hebrews 11:26 (NIV)

"He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value
than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward."

So the view from heaven is clear and detailed. Those saints not only see the present but have some indication of future events that shall come in the Lord's will. We are being watched from heaven by the Lord and His people. So then, let us go out and fight the good fight of faith with enthusiasm and in the Lord's strength. We are certain of victory. Let us live in that reality today.