Morning Devotions with Chaplain Kenny - QUESTION: Can My Loved Ones See Me From Heaven?

Can My Loved Ones See Me From Heaven?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

~ Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

Sometimes people wonder whether those in Heaven know what is taking place on earth. Some would say no, but I beg to differ. I think Heaven is aware of what happens on earth.

However, I don’t think our loved ones are sitting in Heaven, spending all of their time watching everything we do. But I do think there is an awareness of what is going on, and here are some verses that support that point:

• In Luke 16:19–31 we see that people in Heaven are aware of the fact that loved ones are not saved.
• Luke 15:7 informs us that when people believe in Jesus on earth, it is public knowledge in Heaven.
• From Revelation 6:10 we learn that people in Heaven may know about the passing of time and place of events on earth.

I am not a runner, but one little secret I have discovered is that I always seem to do better when there is someone watching, when there is someone cheering me on.

Hebrews 12:1 tells us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” In the race of life, you are being watched by others who have gone before you, by those who have already run this race. We read in Hebrews 11 about the great men and women of God who served Him faithfully, and they are referred to as “a great cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12.

Another version puts it this way: “Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins” (MSG).

I don’t know how much your loved one in Heaven is keeping track of what’s going on in your life, but I believe that if they were to convey any message to you, they would tell you: Keep running. Look to Jesus as the one you are running for. He is watching you. He is urging you on. Run hard and finish well.

While we are on this topic, let me address another issue. I have heard people say of those who have died, “Now they are an angel in Heaven.” I understand this may be a comforting thought, but it is not biblical. People do not become angels when they die. Angels and people are different creations. As a matter of fact, people have a distinct advantage over angels in the sense that we are heirs of God’s grace. Jesus became a man (He as 100% God and 100% man) and He took our sins upon Himself when He dies on the cross for us. 1 Peter 1:12 says that when it comes to the gospel, angels desire to look into these things. Angels are amazed by the gospel at work in our lives.

In Jesus,
Chaplain Kenny

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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
I think Heaven is aware of what happens on earth.