A long-time friend of ours, Bob Drane, passed away two weeks ago. He was a dedicated Christian and a skilled servant of Christ. Everyone who knew him spoke well of him. Unfortunately, over the past few years, Bob’s health deteriorated due to Parkinson’s disease, and he went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 15.  A few days later, I took part in his funeral.

Bob’s wife, Kathy, shared that just hours before he passed, their three grandchildren were brought to his room to say goodbye. Although he was not conscious, each one solemnly paid their final respects to the man they affectionately referred to as “Bubba.” Layla, a first grader, gently patted her grandfather on the chest, kissed him goodbye, and said, “Bye, Bubba. See you in heaven.” Then she took a few steps, turned back, and added, “But it will be a while because I’m little!”

Jesus taught us to humble ourselves and have faith like a little child to enter heaven. Children easily believe in Christ’s resurrection and that we will live with Him in heaven because that is exactly what Jesus promised. “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25).

The Bible tells us Jesus was indeed raised from the dead, identifying him as the “…firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Christ’s resurrection is the example of what will happen to us. “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11).

There will be a great reunion in heaven one day! Jesus promised, “I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11). If I am going to recognize those famous patriarchs whom I’ve never met, then I will surely recognize my mom, dad, and sister who have passed before me. I will also reunite with Bob Drane and countless others I’ve known here on Earth. I like to imagine there might be an “arrival board” in heaven that our loved ones can see and know the exact moment we are scheduled to arrive and walk through the gate. They may be planning a welcome party at this very moment!

Easter reminds us that, as Bible teacher Larry Moody said, “We are not in the land of the living going to the land of the dying. We are in the land of the dying going to the land of the living.”

Indeed, we cherish the promise, the blessed assurance, that in heaven, “There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

And the reality is that for many of us, it may not be much longer—because we’re not little.