Introduction: In these distressing times, the American people need some words of encouragement. We should be encouraged to know that Jesus prayed for us before He died. He still prays for us now: "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)

What did Jesus ask on our behalf?

I. He asked that we would be with Him (verse 24).

A. Christians who die go to be with Jesus (2 Co. 5:6-8). Jesus said to the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in Paradise."
B. At His Second Coming, Jesus will take us up in the sky to be with Him (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).
C. In the Millennial Kingdom, when Jesus reigns over the entire earth, we shall reign with Him (Revelation 20:1-4).
D. He is already with us and in us (John 14:20).

II. He asked that we would see His glory (also verse 24).

A. His glory is the manifestation of His being, and someday Christians will see Him as He is (I John 3:2: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.)
B. There are many verses in the Bible about the glory of God: Exodus 33:17-23 and 34:29; Isaiah 6:1-5; and Revelation 1:12-18.
C. The Christian's joy in Heaven will be multi-faceted.

1. We will be re-united with departed loved ones.
2. We will be made perfectly whole and free from sickness, sin and death.
3. We will see the angels and beauties of Heaven.
4. We will be satisfied to see Jesus reign over all, to see justice prevail and sin punished.
5. We will rest from our labors and struggles.
6. We will reign with Christ over the earth.
7. MOST OF ALL: We will see Jesus and know Him in depth, and continue to get to know Him better for all eternity. Jesus Himself is the greatest reason that Heaven is a wonderful place.

Conclusion: Much in this life may be discouraging, but be of good cheer! We shall be with Jesus. We shall see His glory. He has prayed this for us, and the Father will answer His prayer. Amen.