Longing for Heaven

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Read Revelation 4:1-11.

Focusing on heaven reveals that we truly understand the hope of the Gospel. That’s surely why God privileged John with a glimpse of heaven. Our Lord doesn’t want us to be apprehensive about this eternal future but excited about it.

The eternal heaven is the new, ultimate heaven yet to come, where John, in the Spirit, looked and saw “a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it” (Revelation 4:2). This throne symbolizes God’s sovereign power and authority. The King seated there has the appearance of jasper, a diamond-like white stone, and carnelian, a blood-red stone—depictions of Jesus’ glory and sacrifice at the cross. Encircling His throne is a rainbow, a reminder of God’s eternal faithfulness. Also surrounding Christ’s throne are 24 elders, who represent the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve disciples of Jesus. That means that the heavenly Church will be made up of saints from the old and new covenants—all those who by faith received the Messiah, whether they looked forward to His coming and sacrifice or looked back upon His cross and resurrection.

Flashes of lightning and rolling thunder emanate from the throne—exemplifying the utter power of God. Before that seat are seven blazing lamps—representing the seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit, including His comforting presence, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord (see Isaiah 11:2). When we yield to the Holy Spirit in our lives, He produces these characteristics in us even now—and He will be there with us in the new heaven. Then John notes an entire sea of glass stretching before the throne, revealing the vast, pure Truth of God. Completing the scene are four angelic creatures who initiate constant worship of our holy God.

Now, Satan constantly lies about heaven because he was thrown out and will never be allowed to return. Driven by hate, he tries to convince us that heaven is boring or that we should focus on this life because death is scary. But Scripture calls us to set our minds on things above (see Colossians 3:2).

All the breath-taking sights we could experience here and now don’t hold a candle to what God has prepared for us in heaven. What is more, there the God of power and might will be always physically, personally present. We will see Him face to face! And we will be continuously worshiping and enjoying Him.

Prayer: Jesus, I look forward to the day when I will see You seated on Your throne in glory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series An End-Times Warning for the Modern-Day Church: WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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