“BB, you know the people who have died and are already in heaven? Can they see us here on earth and can they answer our prayers?” The question came from my seven-year-old granddaughter during a recent visit. I never know what this smart, inquisitive grandchild is going to say. She keeps me on my toes. I explained to her only God can answer our prayers. I told her I believe scripture shows that people who’ve gone to heaven can most likely see what’s happening on earth. Do the heavenly Saints steal glimpses from heaven?
The Evidence of Heavenly Saints
Hebrews 12 speaks of a “great cloud of witnesses” cheering us on from heaven. This indicates an awareness of our trials and struggles here on earth. Albeit some say “witnesses” refers to the fact that the saints who’ve gone before bear witness to a life of faith that should be an example for us. That may be a more likely interpretation, but surely, the Saints in heaven are eager witnesses to God’s unfolding plan on earth.
There is a passage in Revelation (Rev. 6:9-11) where we see under the altar, a group of martyrs who were killed for their faith in Christ. They ask the Lord when their deaths will finally be avenged. In other words, they are aware this act of justice has not yet occurred on earth. They are told the time has not come because the number of appointed martyrs has not yet been reached. God has a plan and His plan will include justice and judgement.
The Life of the Heavenly Saints
Luke 15:10 tells us there is “joy in the presence of the angels over one sinner who repents”. It doesn’t say it’s the angels who rejoice but those in the presence of the angels—the believers in heaven. Apparently, they know when someone, in repentance and faith, comes to know Jesus as Savior. What a thrilling moment that must be, when heavenly Saints see their loved ones join God’s family.
We love to picture our loved ones in heaven watching out for us day-by-day, but undoubtedly, they’ve got more important things to do. Their primary focus is worshipping God and reveling in His divine glory. That’s not to say our loved ones never take a quick peek at those they left behind. As I told my sweet granddaughter, it’s entirely possible that those in heaven can see us and someday . . . we will know for sure. That seemed to satisfy her curiosity for now.
Inquisitive Minds Want to Know: Be Prepared
As grandparents we need to be prepared for these spiritual questions and not miss an opportunity to teach biblical principles to our grandkids. How can we be prepared? Study the Word for ourselves. Pray that our grandchildren would have curiosity about spiritual things and wouldn’t be afraid to ask questions. When these God-ordained moments occur we need to stop what we’re doing and pay attention.
There is nothing more important than addressing spiritual, potentially life-changing questions when they happen. Moments like these can lead to a gospel conversation where a grandparent may have the opportunity to pray with their grandchild to receive Christ. If you aren’t sure of an answer (which happens to me often), tell them you aren’t sure and will try to find the answer and get back to them. That’s perfectly fine. Grandmas don’t have all the answers.
Seeds of Faith, Planted and Watered
During the same car ride, my granddaughter asked me if anyone, perhaps her great, great, great, grandparent, was alive when Jesus was here on earth and if they may have talked to him! I told her that two thousand years had passed so it would have to be many more “greats” than that. Then she proceeded to tell me that Adam and Eve were her grandparents and mine, too. Smart kid.
I am thrilled that this grand is being raised in a Christian home and taken to a Bible-believing church each week. The same is true of her siblings and cousins. Her questions make it evident that my granddaughter is learning and growing in the Lord. Her spiritual inquisitiveness is truly a blessing. My prayer is that soon, as the Holy Spirit quickens her heart and draws her, she will ask Jesus to be her Savior and Lord. Someday, perhaps it will be me that’s stealing glimpses from heaven as she lives a purpose-filled, joyful, confident life in Him.
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children [and grandchildren] walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4 (NASB)
Here’s a key suggestion: Pray that our grandchildren would have curiosity about spiritual things and wouldn’t be afraid to ask questions.
I once did the math to see who was alive when Noah’s Flood occurred. Not Adam but you don’t have to go too far down his tree to find someone mentioned in his genealogy who drowned during the flood.